A local derby begins the opening weekend of October, with the Essex Bhoys returning to the Len Forge Centre to face Old Southendian, who make the short journey down for this Saturday’s clash, kick off is at 2pm.

Match News and Form

Catholic United suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at Barnston last weekend, as a George O’Connor winner late on made it a second consecutive defeat for the Essex Bhoys.

Eamonn Kearney’s side have found it difficult to kick-start their season having won one, drawn one and lost two in their last six-matches, picking up just four points out twelve in September.

The hosts come into this fixture sitting 13th on eight points, trailing their opponents by five points.

The visitors however cruised to a 6-2 win against Corinthians last weekend. With Max Bellamy and Mattias Tonking scoring two goals, with Ronnie Blake and Callum Ludlaim getting on the scoresheet to secure Southendian’s first win since the 12th September.

The Old Boys’ form this season have seen Wayne Seal’s side win four, drawn one and lost three, as well as being undefeated away from home, winning two and drawing one.

Ahead of Saturday’s fixture, Old Southendian sit 6th on 13 points, as other results going in Southendians favour could push the visitors one point behind Shenfield who sit top of the table on 17 points.

Previous Meetings

Both sides have faced each other eleven times, with Catholic United showing more dominance, winning six times with their best victory being an 8-0 win at home back in the 2018/19 season.
Meanwhile, Southendian have three wins against the Essex Bhoys, with their best performance being a 4-0 win at their home venue during the 2018/19 campaign.

The two sides faced each other twice in the 2025/26 campaign, with Old Southendian going unbeaten against the Essex Bhoys, drawing 0-0 before the Christmas break last year and winning 4-2 in the reverse fixture.

Players to Watch

Despite losing narrowly last weekend, Tom Kearney will need to be monitored throughout the match by the visitors. So far this season, Kearney has been consistently involved for the Essex Bhoys, making eight appearances and scoring only once with his goal coming in a 2-1win against Harold Wood Athletic.

The hosts back line will need to be mindful of Old Southendian’s attacking threat, as Max Bellamy and Mattias Tonking scored twice in their 6-2 win last weekend which Kearney will be making sure his side is defensively aware for when the Old Boys attack.

Final comments

With local pride on the line and both teams finding their scoring boots early this season, expect a high-octane Southend derby. While Catholic United hold the historical edge, the Greens' being on home soil should be enough to push the Essex Bhoys over the line.