Southend United kicked off their pre-season campaign with a statement victory, edging out AFC Wimbledon 1-0 at Roots Hall on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The Sky Bet League Two side showcased their mettle against League One opposition, thanks to an early goal from striker Charley Kendall that proved to be the match-winner in a tightly contested friendly.
The decisive moment arrived just seven minutes into the game when Kendall rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from summer signing Harry Boyes. The left wing corner was expertly delivered, and Kendall’s header found the left-hand side of the North Bank net, setting the tone for Southend’s best pre-season performance so far under manager Kevin Maher.
Before that breakthrough, Kendall had already tested the waters with a towering header from an Oli Coker free-kick, which sailed just over the crossbar. But it was the well-worked corner routine that unlocked the Dons' defense and gave the Shrimpers the lead early on.
AFC Wimbledon, freshly promoted from League Two via the play-offs last season, responded with some promising moments of their own. Alistair Smith orchestrated a chance for Matty Stevens, who found himself clean through on goal but, under pressure from defender Gus Scott-Morriss, fired wide of the right post. That miss was a wake-up call for the home side, who soon threatened to double their advantage.
Southend’s attacking intent was clear as Scott-Morriss set up Leon Parillon, whose curling 20-yard strike rattled the outside of the right post, narrowly missing a second goal. The Shrimpers maintained control, with Tom Hopper and Oli Coker also coming close to extending the lead, showcasing a fluid and confident attacking display.
Defensively, Southend had to make an adjustment on the hour mark when Joe Gubbins was replaced by Adam Crowther, a change that did not disrupt their rhythm. In fact, just four minutes later, the Shrimpers made a wholesale switch, bringing on nine fresh outfield players to keep the intensity high and give the squad valuable game time.
Midfielder Leon Parillon re-entered the fray in the 73rd minute, replacing the injured Cav Miley, further bolstering the midfield as Southend looked to maintain their slender lead. The new-look side continued to push forward, with Josh Walker heading a cross from Sam Austin narrowly wide and Slavi Spasov also testing the woodwork with a header from a Crowther delivery.
Despite these attacking efforts, the second goal proved elusive, but Southend’s defense held firm to see out the closing stages comfortably. The atmosphere at Roots Hall was lively, with 1,505 fans in attendance, including 117 traveling supporters from AFC Wimbledon, all witnessing a competitive and spirited match.
Manager Kevin Maher will undoubtedly be pleased with his team’s performance against higher-tier opposition, as it bodes well for the challenges ahead. Southend now turn their attention to their next pre-season fixture, a trip to Arbour Park to face Slough Town on Tuesday, July 29, at 7:45 PM, where they will look to build on this promising start.
The matchday squad for Southend featured Andeng Ndi in goal, with Scott-Morriss, Taylor, Gubbins (later replaced by Crowther), Boyes, Morton, Coker, Husin, Hopper, Kendall, and Parillon starting the game. Substitutes brought on included Wind, Goodliffe, Ralph, Bridge, Miley (later replaced again by Parillon), Appiah-Forson, Austin, Walker, and Spasov, reflecting a strategic rotation aimed at fitness and tactical experimentation.
In summary, Southend United’s narrow 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon in this pre-season friendly highlighted their readiness and competitive spirit as they prepare for the upcoming season. Charley Kendall’s early header was the defining moment, but the overall team performance, from solid defending to creative attacking plays, painted an encouraging picture for fans and management alike.
