MX23RW : Tuesday, December 24 22:43:06| >> :600:3424611:3424611:
[monks data]
Southend United
National League | Gameweek 3
Aug 20, 2024 at 7.45pm UK
Roots Hall Stadium

Southend
2 - 0
Boston

Cardwell (2'), Scott-Morriss (52')
Miley (24')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Leak (73')

Preview: Southend United vs. Boston United - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Tuesday's National League clash between Southend United and Boston United, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

In their third game of the National League Season, Southend United are set to host Boston United at Roots Hall on Tuesday.

The home side are 17th with two points after drawing twice, while the visitors are currently last in 24th place after two losses.


Match preview

Kevin Maher, the manager of Southend United, is looking on during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Southend United at Victoria Park in Hartlepool, on March 16, 2024 [on August 18, 2024]© Imago

Southend opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against York City on August 10, which was particularly disappointing considering they held the lead from the 16th to the 85th minute.

The hosts' second game against Hartlepool United on August 17th was also frustrating, as despite Hartlepool's Luke Waterfall being sent off in the 49th minute, the game ended without a goal.

Manager Kevin Maher chose to focus on the positive aspects of his side's performance, but he will be concerned that his team missed several chances.

Maher's side finished ninth in the National League last term and missed out on the promotion playoffs by six points.

Southend have been poor at home in recent matches and have only won two of their last seven league fixtures at Roots Hall.

Boston United Manager Ian Culverhouse watches on from the touchline during the National League match between Boston United and Forest Green Rovers at the Jakemans Community Stadium, Boston, United Kingdom on August, 17 2024 [on August 18, 2024]© Imago

Opponents Boston United have had an awful start to the season, conceding seven goals and scoring none, making them the joint worst defensive and offensive side so far.

The visitors lost 3-0 against Rochdale on August 10 and produced little threat in front of goal.

In their second game, Boston lost 4-0 against Forest Green on August 17, and to add insult to injury, forward Jacob Hazel missed a penalty in the 90th minute.

Boss Ian Culverhouse said that while he thought his team were good in possession, the goals they conceded were "comical", and that it could be a long season if these defensive errors are not eradicated.

In fairness to Culverhouse, his side were only promoted to the National League last season and are perhaps expectedly struggling to adapt to the fifth tier in the early stages of 2024-25.

Southend United National League form:
  • D
  • D

Boston United National League form:



Team News

23 year old Boston United defender Mitchell Roberts (4) passes the ball during the National League match between Boston United and Forest Green Rovers at the Jakemans Community Stadium, Boston, United Kingdom on August 17, 2024 [on August 18, 2024]© Imago

It would not be surprising if the hosts started an extra midfielder rather than their usual third centre-back given the calibre of Tuesday's opposition.

Considering this, Southend could name Noor Husin in the starting XI instead of defender Joseph Gubbins.

As for the visitors, they could start Tom Leak in defence in order to combat their defensive frailty.

Boston could also field Zak Mills, Mitchell Roberts and Cameron Green alongside Leak in the backline.


Southend United possible starting lineup:
Andeng-Ndi; Scott-Morriss, Taylor, Kensdale, Ralph; Coker, Miley, Husin; Walker, Cardwell, Bridge

Boston United possible starting lineup:
Gregory; Mills, Leak, Roberts, Green; Richards, Woods; Rowe, Mooney, Weston; Aderoju


SM words green background

We say: Southend United 2-0 Boston United

While Southend have been disappointing in the early stages of the season, they have at least kept two clean sheets, and they could keep their third on Tuesday.

Though Boston have done well to reach the National League, they still appear to require some adjustment to their new division and come into the clash as underdogs.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


ID:550708:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect8468:
Written by
Lewis Nolan

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Southend vs Boston

Southend United
77.4%
Draw
12.9%
Boston United
9.7%
31
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
Read Next:
Darlington's Nicky Hunt taken to hospital with serious head injury
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1York City23146347202748
2Barnet23153547262148
3Forest Green RoversForest Green22137240182246
4Gateshead23135545281744
5Oldham AthleticOldham21127238191943
6Rochdale21113731191236
7Solihull MoorsSolihull2310584236635
8Halifax TownHalifax239862623335
9AltrinchamAltrincham239773730734
10Yeovil TownYeovil2310492825334
11Hartlepool UnitedHartlepool238962625133
12Eastleigh228863028232
13Sutton UnitedSutton239593029132
14Tamworth228592538-1329
15Dagenham & RedbridgeDag & Red227783529628
16Southend UnitedSouthend236982427-327
17Woking2366112133-1224
18WealdstoneWealdstone225892732-523
19Aldershot TownAldershot2358103240-823
20Fylde2364132847-1922
21Braintree TownBraintree2355131933-1420
22Maidenhead UnitedMaidenhead2355132745-1820
23Boston UnitedBoston2236131937-1815
24Ebbsfleet2316161754-379


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!