Coker Relishing Wembley Trip

With the victory over Stevenage in the play off semi final second leg, Southend booked their place in the Wembley Final and Ben Coker couldn’t have been a happier man at the full time whistle.

Speaking to the Official Site following the three one extra time victory, a proud and relieved Coker explained.

‘It’s a little bit of relief. We didn’t want to take it to extra time but we ended doing it and got the result, which is the most important thing. We showed our character. We all know we had it in us and I think we showed everyone what sort of side we are, coming back from a very tough game at Stevenage and the same happening at Roots Hall.’

Coker went on to credit the groundstaff for their efforts with the pitch, because the ‘zip’ on it he felt really helped Southend to play their more natural game.

With Coker also picking up Sky’s Man of the Match award for the game, he knows it could’ve gone to any number of his colleagues on the day such was the performance, but he did have to admit with the chances we were missing and especially Barry Corr’s penalty miss, he did wonder if it was going to be one of those days for us.

‘When Barry missed the penalty, I did think whether it would be our day, but we kept believing and created plenty of chances. Fortunately, we took them and won the game. I think our fitness showed in extra time. Stevenage were flagging and we took advantage. I can’t wait to get on the pitch at Wembley now!’