The Opposition: Southend

Nickname: ‘The Shrimpers’

League Position: 7th

Forest Green Rovers are back in National League action tomorrow afternoon as they host Southend United at The New Lawn. Southend are having a solid campaign so far this season, currently occupying the final play-off position in seventh. The club had a strong opening month to the season, picking up 14 points from 18 available in the month of August. After a disappointing September in terms of results, the Shrimpers bounced back well in October and have carried it through into November. They have won their last two league games, scoring four and keeping consecutive clean sheets in the process.

It is Southend’s fifth season as a National League club after suffering relegation from League Two in the 2020/21 season. This would be their second relegation in two seasons after dropping down from League One on a points-per-game basis. In their four completed campaigns back in the fifth tier of English football, the Shrimpers have been consistent performers. A mid-table finish in their opening season would be followed by eighth, ninth and seventh placed finishes respectively.

Player To Watch: Gus Scott-Morris

Full-back Gus Scott-Morris has made another strong start to the season for Southend.

The 28-year-old is currently on three goals from 17 National League appearances so far this campaign.

The defender had a sensational 2024/25 season, finding the back of the net 17 times in 44 games.

He provides a constant threat down the Shrimpers’ right-hand side, playing as an attacking full back for his side.

Rovers know the threats Scott-Morris possess and will have to keep an eye on the defender when he bursts forward.

In The Dugout: Kevin Maher

Kevin Maher is the man in the dugout for Southend United.

Maher returned to Southend in October 2021, replacing former Manager Phil Brown.

The 49-year-old enjoyed a ten-year playing career with the Shrimpers, making over 380 appearances for the club.

Maher has brought a level of stability to the club after some turbulent years off the pitch, including last year’s play-off campaign.

He will be hoping his side can continue their strong run of form in the league at TNL this afternoon.

Head-To-Head:

24/11/2020- Southend 0-1 Rovers (Young 63rd)

24/02/2021- Rovers 1-3 Southend (Matt 86th)

23/11/2024- Southend 2-2 Rovers (Bunker 40th & Doidge 72nd)

15/03/2025- Rovers 2-2 Southend (Inniss 21st & Garrick 30th)

21/05/2025- Rovers 2-2 Southend (2-4) (Inniss 62nd & Osadebe 94th)