Kevin Maher: Southend United boss thanks travel-weary fans after FA Trophy win

Southend United boss Kevin Maher thanked their travelling supporters for making a 172-mile trip to Bath for the second time in four days after his side reached the fifth round of the FA Trophy.

Saturday's fixture was postponed just an hour before kick-off because of a frozen pitch after The Shrimpers made the journey west, having been told at 09:00 GMT that it would be playable.

It finally went ahead on Tuesday evening, with 254 Southend followers among a crowd of 1,131 at Twerton Park to see their team win 3-1 after Bath full-back Joe Raynes was sent off in the first half.

Last month, Southend twice had a league match at Rochdale postponed after travelling north because the pitch was waterlogged.

"For everyone who made the journey on Saturday, and the frustration of having to do it again, credit to the fans who came when it would have been easier to stay at home... we had a good following," Maher told BBC Essex.

"It was important we got a performance and a win for them."

Gus Scott-Morriss headed Southend ahead before half-time after Jack Bridge had seen a penalty saved, and further goals by Sam Austin and Leon Parillon secured a last-16 tie against Chatham Town.

Parillon ran almost the full length of the pitch in added time before rounding Bath goalkeeper Harvey Wiles-Richards and slotting the ball into the net.

"He had a few opportunities, he was excellent and I'm delighted he got that one at the end - he was knackered but it's easier when you're running forward towards goal," said Maher.

"If you'd said before the game we were going to score three goals, you'd take that, away from home on a tough pitch and on a tough night when we've had to travel again.

"That one's for the fans who travelled because they've had it twice with Rochdale, Saturday as well, and it's hard-earned money."

Defender Scott-Morriss' goal was his third in successive games, taking his total for the season to six after scoring 17 last term.

"For some reason, I seem to score in clusters and I kind of lined the corner up and as soon as it was in the air, I knew I was on a good track - I thought the keeper had saved it, but it went in and I was delighted with that," he said.

On the Bath pitch, he continued: "It's not good. It was similar to Rochdale, if it had rained, they could have been in trouble and I think it could have been off - but we got the job done and that's all that matters."

Southend - who are now looking to appoint a director of football to work with Maher and his staff - are seventh in National League and face an even longer trip on Saturday when they take on leaders York City.

"It's nice to be in the next round, we're one step closer to Wembley, but we'll deal with that when it comes our way," he added.

"There's a lot of games coming. It's nice we've got on a little run now, finishing off last year well and we've started this year well - hopefully we can carry this run on and if we do, we'll be sitting pretty in the league."

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