FA Cup: Southend progress to first-round proper
Eastleigh 0 - 1 Southend United
Southend United secured a dramatic Emirates FA Cup win against Eastleigh at the Silverlake Stadium, with Aribim Pepple’s late goal, just two minutes from time, sending the Shrimpers into the first round proper.
The match started slowly, with both sides struggling to create clear chances in the opening 15 minutes. The pace remained sluggish throughout, until Pepple broke the deadlock just before full-time. Battling past a couple of defenders on the right wing, he fired a shot beyond the goalkeeper, clinching a last-minute victory for Southend.
For their efforts, Southend will now Charlton Athletic in the 1st round. They are a club that has struggled financially in recent seasons, so this victory will have been welcomed by everyone associated with the club.
How the 2023/2024 FA Cup was won
Southend reaction
We managed to catch up with a Southend fan after the match. One told us: "That was thoroughly deserved result which reflected the run of play. Could this be a new beginning for the club and for the fans? Fingers crossed.
"Southend's performances in the cup have been terrible for years when we could have made some money from cup appearances we have seemed to fall flat. I expected nothing from the match against Eastleigh and am pleased to have been proven wrong."
Click here for previous European Super Football stories involving Southend United
