Southend fans' joy after penalty drama at Wembley

Southend United fans were in ecstasy after their side won a domestic trophy for the first time in the club's history.

Gus Scott-Morriss' spot kick proved decisive as the Shrimpers won 4-2 on penalties against Wealdstone after a goalless 90 minutes.

Trophies had long eluded the Essex side, having never won a major cup since being founded in 1906, but they finally secured glory at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Lifelong fan Steven Walsh, 69, said: "I'm in my 53rd year of following Southend and this is up there with the very best days."

Dan Wolfendale added: "To lift the trophy at Wembley is a special feeling.

"We've come so far and so close in the last couple of years, but today was nice."

Southend returned to Wembley 11 months after losing in the National League play-off final to Oldham Athletic in June.

They hit the woodwork in both halves against Wealdstone in a match that saw neither side create many chances.

But the Blues, who almost went extinct in recent years, held their nerve on penalties to get their hands on silverware at the home of football.

Hayden Catling, who was among the 43,306 fans in attendance said: "I'm feeling brilliant, absolutely buzzing.

"I'm happy, happy, happy, happy for Southend United. [It is] the first time we've won the trophy, absolutely brilliant."

Ed Harrison, 18, said: "That was incredible, I've never experienced a game like that in my life."

Ray Bentley, who went to the game with brother Rob, said: "We're absolutely buzzing.

"What a great team, what a great win."

Winning the competition, which is reserved for non-league sides, helped Southend end the season on a high, having lost at the first stage of the league play-offs.

Helen Tabor, who was watching with her son, Otis, said it was "amazing" to be there.

Adam Hill, 34, added: "We've had a lot of heartbreak in finals, especially on penalties.

He said of the win: "I'm really hoping it'll be the catalyst for good things to come."

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