Maher Offers Title Assessment After Surprise Weekend

In a brilliant live TNT Sports game, Southend United turned the match on its head to inflict just the leaders’ second defeat of the season.

It saw their 13-match unbeaten run in the National League come to an end but on a weekend where the top three all wobbled, the Roots Hall boss gave us his title assessment having seen all the teams at the top.

He feels the loss in Essex will be just a blip - and shouldn’t be seen as a cause for concern.

Paul Cook heaped praise on the Shrimpers following their 2-1 defeat and Maher thiks this is just a small bump in the road for the Spireites, who can collect their 50th point of the campaign on Tuesday night when they travel to managerless Woking.

Asked if Chesterfield are still his tip for the title, Southend’s manager said: “Without a shadow of a doubt.

“They are such a strong side and Paul has got them so well organised and with the amount of goals they score they are always a threat. The number of points they’ve got already is incredible.

“I think they’re a way ahead of anyone else in the National League.”

Counterpart Cook returned the praise, saying: “It was Southend’s day - and well done to them. It’s been well documented what they’ve been through. I’m made up for Kev and his players and their fans as well.”