SOUTHEND United came from behind to beat Wealdstone 2-1 in their final National League game of the season.

Charles Claydon fired Stones in to a first half lead at Roots Hall.

But goals from Wes Fonguck and Harry Cardwell – either side of a red card from visiting midfielder Nathan Ferguson - saw the Shrimpers fight back to triumph as they ended the season just two points and one place outside the play-off positions.

Blues defender Shaun Hobson sent an early effort over the crossbar after good play from Cav Miley down the right hand side before Hobson’s header from Miley’s inswinging free-kick was gathered by Wealdstone goalkeeper Sam Howes.

But, after surviving the scares, Wealdstone hit back and came close to opening the scoring when a 25 yard shot from Dominic Hutchinson hit the top of the South Stand crossbar.

Hutchinson then sent another effort straight at Blues goalkeeper Steve Arnold before Blues replied with Fonguck seeing a 20 yard shot smothered by Howes.

Moments later, a dangerous left wing cross from Fonguck could not be converted by a sliding Cardwell before Wealdstone responded and broke the deadlock in the 27th minute, with Claydon on target.

Claydon was picked out by a low, left wing cross from Hutchinson and made no mistake with an intelligent first time finish at the near post.

Wealdstone continued to push forward with Hutchinson seeing a low, left footed shot well saved by Arnold down to his left hand side before play switched back to the other end of the field with Howes keeping out a low 12 yard shot from Callum Powell.

But Blues levelled five minutes into the second half with Fonguck scoring for the second time this season.

The midfielder collected the ball just outside of the penalty area before curling an excellent 25 yard shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

Wealdstone suffered a further blow just two minutes later when former Shrimpers midfielder Ferguson was shown a straight red card for a poor challenge on Miley.

Blues soon made their first change of the afternoon with Dan Mooney replacing Jason Demetriou before the hosts threatened to go in front with Louis Lomas sending a 20 yard shot straight at Howes.

Mooney then fired over from close range after good work from Husin down the left hand side before the winger also fired wide of the right upright after cutting in from the right flank.

Cardwell then headed a right wing corner from Mooney wide of the same post before Blues went in front nine minutes from time following a fine move down the left hand side.

Bridge played a fine through ball into the path of Husin whose low cross picked out Cardwell to convert from close range to send a crowd of more than 8,000 Blues fans home happy.

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