Gus Scott-Morriss: Southend full-back reaches game on another team’s bus

Boss Kevin Maher praised the determination of Gus Scott-Morriss after the Southend skipper had to hitch a ride on another team’s bus to reach their game against Halifax Town.

The full-back’s car broke down on Friday and he was unable to get to the pick-up point on time.

But he was able to arrange transport on the Bedford Town coach heading north for their game at South Shields.

“I considered resting him because he had a sore hip in midweek and he had planes, trains and automobiles to get here,” Maher told BBC Essex following his side’s 6-2 win on Saturday.

“He arrived just after dinner (on Friday) so not too bad. He was desperate to play and credit to his professionalism and his character that he does it – and scores again.”

Scott-Morriss’ goal at The Shay was his 17th of the season, equalling his tally for last season.

Southend had already secured a place in the play-offs, but moved up to sixth in the National League table after outplaying Halifax. They are now unbeaten in eight games.

There was good news for Bedford too – they drew 1-1 in the north east to boost their chances of avoiding relegation from National League North.

They are three points clear of the bottom four with one game remaining, but have a vastly superior goal difference.