Southend United Seal Wembley Final Spot After Penalty Drama Against Forest Green

Southend United are heading to Wembley after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win over Forest Green Rovers in the National League play-off semi-final. The Shrimpers will now face Oldham Athletic in the final on Sunday, 1 June (15:00 BST), with promotion to League Two on the line.

The match finished 2-2 after extra time, with Jack Bridge scoring a crucial late equaliser to take the tie to penalties. Gus Scott-Morriss then coolly converted the decisive spot-kick to send Southend fans into raptures.

⚽ Match Summary

In a tense semi-final clash, the first half saw limited goalmouth action. Southend’s Keenan Appiah-Forson came closest when he rattled the crossbar with a long-range effort.

The deadlock was finally broken nine minutes into the second half. Ben Goodliffe rose highest to meet a corner, his looping header sneaking in at the near post to give Southend a 1-0 lead.

Forest Green, fighting to stay alive, responded quickly. In the 62nd minute, Ryan Innis nodded home Kyle McAllister’s cross to level the score at 1-1, forcing extra time.

Substitute Emmanuel Osadebe made an instant impact after coming on late in regular time. Just four minutes into extra time, he powered a header past the Southend keeper following a pinpoint cross from Liam Sercombe.

But with four minutes remaining, Jack Bridge became the hero for Southend. Latching onto a loose ball inside the box, he swept it into the net to make it 2-2 and send the tie to a dramatic penalty shootout.

🎯 Penalty Shootout

Southend held their nerve in the shootout, converting four of their penalties, while Forest Green faltered under pressure. Gus Scott-Morriss stepped up to score the decisive kick, sparking celebrations among the travelling supporters.

📅 Next Up: Wembley Awaits

Southend United now prepare for a high-stakes National League play-off final against Oldham Athletic. The match will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 1 June, kicking off at 15:00 BST. Victory would mark a return to the English Football League for the Shrimpers.

🔍 Key Stats:

Final Score (AET): Forest Green 2–2 Southend United
Southend Win on Penalties: 4-2
Goals:
- Goodliffe (54′)
- Innis (62′)
- Osadebe (94′)
- Bridge (116′)

🗣️ Final Word

Southend showed grit, determination, and nerves of steel to edge past Forest Green and secure a place in the final. With momentum now on their side, Kevin Maher’s men will be hoping to complete the job at Wembley and climb back into the Football League.

Southend Beat Forest Green on Pens to Reach Wembley Final