Larsson watches on as Southend slump to defeat against Accrington

Posted Sunday, September 29, 2019 by PA

Henrik Larsson was again watching from the stands as managerless 10-man Southend slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Accrington at Roots Hall.

Larsson remains in the running to replace Kevin Bond as Shrimpers boss.

But the Swede saw Stanley striker Callum Bishop score the only goal of a disappointing game seven minutes into the second half with Nathan Ralph later sent off for the home side.

Accrington threatened midway through the first half with Sam Finley having a deflected 20 yard shot tipped over the crossbar by Southend goalkeeper Mark Oxley.

But the visitors were not to be denied and they opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with Bishop firing home Jerome Opoko’s left wing cross from eight yards for his fifth goal of the season.

Stanley wasted a golden opportunity to double their lead with an unmarked Offrande Zanzala somehow heading over from close range

Southend’s hopes of a comeback were hit in the 73rd when Ralph was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Finley.

And Accrington easily held on for their first away win of the season.