SHRIMPERS GIVE FANS A SHOW!

SOUTHEND United brushed aside their off the field issues to trounce highly fancied Oldham Athletic at Roots Hall.

- Jason Creasey

The Shrimpers managed just two 90 minute friendlies in the build up to their opening game which they only got the go ahead to host at the start of the week after fans helped to clean the stadium.

It comes after a difficult summer for the club, with serious doubts over whether they would be allowed to kick off the new season and fan protests outside owner Ron Martin’s home calling for the sale to new investors.

The club had to get court permission to clear their football creditors and satisfy the National League enough to grant a licence for the new campaign.

They did that but with the warning of point deductions if they don’t clear a tax debt later this month.

Boss Kevin Maher was also only unable to select four substitutes due to the club’s transfer embargo.

But his side upset the odds with goals from Callum Powell, Oli Coker, Dan Mooney and Harry Cardwell securing the Shrimpers all three points against the Latics who had Will Sutton sent off in the 57th minute.