IT never rains but it pours when it comes to Southend United.

But on Saturday that was in a physical way rather than anything metaphorical.

A torrential downpour just two hours before kick-off put the Shrimpers’ FA Trophy tie with Darlington firmly in doubt.

And Blues boss Kevin Maher was left surprised when referee Sam Mulhall gave the game the go-ahead.

However, what ultimately transpired was an enjoyable encounter which eventually went the way of the hosts.

Darlington – who started the day top of National League North – certainly provided a stern test and opened the scoring early on with Jack Lambert firing home.

The Shrimpers and their supporters felt Lambert was offside when firing home.

But that anger added extra intensity and Blues were soon level with Harry Cardwell heading home an inviting right wing cross from Jason Demetriou.

Cardwell is again starting to show his importance to Southend as he starts to near top fitness and form following an injury ravaged start to the campaign.

The hard-working striker suffered a serious ankle issue towards the end of the previous campaign and did not get back playing until the start of November.

After three substitute appearances, Cardwell then suffered a foot problem which forced him back onto the sidelines and ruled him out for another two matches.

But the three postponed fixtures at the start of December provided Cardwell more time to get fit and he has now started five games in succession.

Naturally, after so long out, it was going to take Cardwell time to fully recover but he now seems fully up to speed.

And he underlined that fact by claiming a slight touch to an inviting Noor Husin cross deep into stoppage time as the Shrimpers made it through to the final 16 of the FA Trophy.

The competition is, of course, new to Blues and this is just the second season they have lined up in it.

But Blues’ runs to three EFL Trophy finals provided some real stand out moments.

And this current Shrimpers group now have the opportunity to do likewise.

With Notts County and Wrexham both losing on penalties at the weekend, the competition is now truly wide open and Blues are the second highest ranked side in the hat for Monday’s draw.

However, Southend had to remain patient for large parts of Saturday’s tie and were unable to make their dominance count for much of the second half.

The Shrimpers were denied by the woodwork three times, Cav Miley and Husin both saw efforts well saved by Tommy Taylor while Callum Powell had an effort cleared off the line before failing to score with a close range header.

But, just as the tie seemed to be heading to penalties, up popped Cardwell to score the first goal the Shrimpers have netted in stoppage time this season.

Cardwell has now scored three goals in two games and the timing of his latest effort will undoubtedly increase Blues’ belief moving forward.

But, despite the late drama, it should not be forgotten that goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu also pulled off an impressive save to deny Jacob Hazel just moments before Cardwell volleyed home.

Darlington – who were backed by brilliant travelling support – certainly posed problems and deserve immense credit for bouncing back from their own financial issues which saw the club wound up back in 2012.

Southend’s own problems remain firmly in the present and the club will be back in the High Court on Wednesday regarding the HMRC winding up petition which was adjourned back in November.

Such has been the regularity of those court cases that they can often be brushed aside as being par for the course where the Shrimpers are concerned.

But such a scenario should never become acceptable for Blues and so many people deserve so much more.

The potential of the club is huge but the funding is not there for that to be fulfilled right now.

Short term solutions are being found for long term problems.

And only when the club is in a position to be properly run will the dark clouds so often gathering above Roots Hall finally start to part.