Gus Scott-Morriss and Josh Walker score for Southend United in 2-0 friendly win at Bishop’s Stortford
Josh Smith, who has just finished Year 12 at The Bishop’s Stortford High School, went along to watch the Blues take on the Shrimpers as part of his work experience at the Indie
Bishop’s Stortford’s fourth pre-season friendly ended in a 2-0 home defeat to Southend United on Saturday (July 20).
Goals by Gus Scott-Morriss and Josh Walker saw the National League side secure a comfortable victory at the RDA Stadium.
It was a good experience for the Blues who are still getting familiar with each other after a large summer renovation of the squad.
The first half was an end-to-end affair, with shots from Stortford defenders Jake Thompson and Mark Haines drawing saves from the goalkeeper.
Walker, who was Southend’s star player, had a one-on-one effort tipped round the post by Blues shot-stopper Jayden Peglar after 25 minutes.
Two minutes later, a corner resulted in Harry Cardwell volleying the ball into the congested six-yard area beyond Peglar for Scott-Morriss to nod in for the Shrimpers.
The visitors’ second goal was scored from the spot by Walker after he earned a penalty when getting clipped in the box having got the better of Isa Rotimi.
The second half saw Blues striker Kian Harness continue to cause big problems for Southend as his speed and control managed to draw numerous fouls in dangerous areas, but they led to very little.
Southend managed to dominate the ball for a lot of the second half, but few major chances were created.
The best opportunity of the second period came five minutes from time when Southend’s Beau MacDonald squared the ball to Jack Wood for a routine tap-in which ended up being a simple stop for the substitute trialist goalkeeper.
It was a defeat at the full-time whistle for the Blues, but with more valuable minutes in the tank as they prepare for the start of the new season.
Manager Steve Castle’s message to the fans is “to be patient” with the team and “expect 11 players who really want to play for Bishop’s Stortford Football Club”.
He believes “something special is happening” with the side and is hoping for big things to be achieved this season.
Make sure to head to the RDA Stadium for the next home pre-season friendlies against Welling United tomorrow (Tuesday July 23) and Jack Wilshere’s Arsenal under-21s on Wednesday July 31. Allez Les Blues!
Blues: Peglar (Trialist 67), Rotimi (Trialist 46), Warner-Eley (Bellinger 72), Russell (Mentis 26), Haines (Ogwuazor 61), Thompson (Halford 61), Castle (Cook 72), Moutawafiq (Oluwatimilehin 46), Harness, Virciglio (Leggett 61), Trialist (Miles 53).
Southend United: Andeng-Ndi (Brown 62), Scott-Morriss (Hatcliff 62), Ralph (Morton 39), Gubbins (Shobowale 62), Kensdale (Faulkner 77), Bridge (Wood 46), Cardwell (Waldron 46), Walker (Otseh-Taiwo 62), Miley (Molefi 77), Crowther (booked 49), Coker (MacDonald 62).
Stortford also sent a side featuring Louie Pullen, academy graduates George Lusardi and Aidan Harvey and a host of trialists to Newmarket Town on Friday evening (July 19) and the match ended goalless.
