Southend win first game of the 2018 season 3-2 away to North Uist

Southend came away from Paible this evening with a hard fought 3-2 win. It was North Uist who created the opening chance of the match, Scott MacKay ghosting in at the back post but his shot from a NU free kick was straight at the Southend goalie. Southend then settled in to the match and created a few chances before taking the lead on the half hour mark. A long throw in was flicked on by Duncan MacQuarrie and John MacDonald’s left foot strike found the back of the net. Southend continued to apply pressure, with Daniel Ban’s pace causing problems for the NU defence. On 40mins he raced on to a through ball and was upended by Curtis Ireland. The goalkeeper was lucky to avoid a caution and his luck continued when Polly Steele blazed over from the spot. HT 0-1. Within four minutes of the restart the home side levelled. John MacDonald with an own goal, heading past MacPhee who was rushing out to collect the ball. Eight minutes later, on 57mins Southend took the lead for a second time. Polly Steele drove in a corner which Eddie Fitzgibbon side footed home at the near post. The game continued in a start/stop fashion with a number of fouls being committed and a spate of free kicks awarded. The next goal was going to be key and it was the away side who extended their lead on 82mins. It was great play from Polly Steele down the left side, crossing for Eddie Fitzgibbon to side foot home from close range. With the clock ticking down, North Uist continued to work hard and they pulled a goal back through Bengy MacIntosh who reacted the quickest to get the ball over the line after it came back of the cross bar. Southend closed the game out and were delighted to take 3 points from a tough away match. FT 2-3. MOTM Jamie MacAulay

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