Southend United travel to face Woking in a Bank Holiday Monday National League fixture at the Laithwaite Community Stadium. The match kicks off at 3pm on 31st August 2026 with both sides looking to build on their early-season form.
Southend finished sixth in the final 2025 National League table, amassing 81 points from 46 games with a record of 23 wins, 12 draws and 11 losses. Their recent form at the end of that campaign was WLWWD, and they scored 83 goals while conceding 47 for a healthy +36 goal difference. That left them 27 points behind champions York City in the title race, a gap they will aim to close this term.
The Shrimpers head into the new season on the back of a successful 2025 campaign. They secured a playoff spot with their sixth-place finish and capped the year by winning the FA Trophy at Wembley, defeating Wealdstone on penalties. Manager Kieron Dyer, the former Newcastle United midfielder who took over following a surprise summer departure, has been busy in the transfer market. He has brought in striker Harry Cardwell from Forest Green Rovers, a player who knows the club and division well after four previous seasons at Roots Hall. Cardwell's most successful National League campaign came in a Southend shirt.
Dyer has also strengthened his goalkeeping options with the signings of Jack Sims and Joe Duncan. The squad was tested in pre-season, drawing against both Leyton Orient and Championship side West Ham United. Fans can track the squad's progress on our dedicated squad page.
The two fixtures between these sides last term both ended in 1-1 draws. The match at the Laithwaite Community Stadium was particularly dramatic, with Southend scoring a 94th-minute equaliser to snatch a point. Woking will be a tough opponent again this time. They have started the new season with two 3-1 victories over Solihull Moors and Altrincham, though they also suffered a loss to Scunthorpe United. Both teams are in action on Friday night before this Monday clash, with Woking playing Hornchurch and Southend hosting Kidderminster Harriers.
Away supporters should note that the away end for this fixture is already sold out. For home fans, tickets are available online with standing tickets priced from £5 for under-14s up to £23 for adults. Seated tickets online range from £6 to £25. Options to pay on the gate are also available. Food and drink will be served around the ground. The full run of upcoming matches for Southend can be found on our fixtures list.
This early-season encounter provides a first real test of Southend's refreshed squad against a team that has started well. The point earned from a late goal here last season was typical of the resilience that defined their campaign. Integrating new signings like Cardwell quickly will be important for Dyer as he looks to improve on last season's league position. The current standings show the competitive nature of the National League, and every point from the start is valuable. A positive result on the road would set a strong tone as Southend aim to challenge at the top end of the table once more.
