Southend and Wealdstone tee up Wembley date in FA Trophy

Southend and Wealdstone will contest the 2026 FA Trophy final [Getty Images] Southend United manager Kevin Maher was delighted for all associated with the club as they secured their place in the FA Trophy final at Wembley in May by coming from behind to see off Southport 3-1 at Haig Avenue. It is the second consecutive season that Southend will be visiting Wembley, having suffered National League promotion final extra-time heartache at the hands of Oldham Athletic last June, a year after the protracted takeover of the club was completed. And Maher is pleased that his players have earned a second chance of tasting success at the national stadium having overcome a potential upset.

Trailing 1-0 at half-time after Chris Sze had opened the scoring for Southport, Southend responded quickly through Charley Kendall and Jack Bridge. before Kendall netted again in the closing stages. "I'm delighted for the football club and for everyone who has worked so hard in difficult times," Maher, whose side are currently in the final National League play-off spot with eight games left, told BBC Essex.

"These are the moments you want as a football club, to go to Wembley and enjoy it. "I want to win trophies. I'm delighted that in the second half we've gone and won the game.

These are special moments for the fans and the players. There have been tough times for the fans. "I have wanted more from this season.