FOOTBALL can often be decided by the finest of margins.

And, despite the final score-line, Southend United’s 4-1 win against Aldershot Town at Roots Hall on Saturday can certainly fall into that category.

The Shots looked the more threatening of the sides in the first half and could well have scored more than the one goal, from Josh Stokes, which fired them in front after 18 minutes.

Aldershot boss Tommy Widdrington lives within five minutes of the Shrimpers and he had clearly done his homework.

His players continually hassled and hurried Blues in the centre of the park and often forced them into conceding possession before launching dangerous looking counter-attacks.

The tactic saw Aldershot on top but a combination of some poor finishing and good goalkeeping denied the visitors what would have been a crucial second goal.

And that proved even more pivotal immediately after the break when the game was turned on its head.

Aldershot were reduced to 10 men in the 49th minute when Rollin Menayese was dismissed and opinion remains divided as to whether or not it was the correct decision.

As you would expect, those supporting the Shrimpers see it as more of a red card than fans following Aldershot.

But it was tough decision for referee David Richardson to make.

I have watched replays several times and varying speeds and I am now probably of the persuasion it was just about a red card.

However, it was very much a borderline decision which could well have gone either way.

For once Blues got the rub of the green but while Aldershot felt aggrieved they still played a part in their own downfall as goalkeeper Jordi van Stappershoef somehow spilt the resultant Jack Bridge free-kick, enabling Harry Cardwell to equalise.

It was an important goal for the Shrimpers in more ways than one as not only did it bring them back level but it also got Cardwell firing in front of goal once again.

The striker had gone five games without a goal since returning from a knee injury while throw in his appearances before being sidelined and it totalled one goal in his last 13 outings.

But Cardwell neatly tucked away his opportunity on Saturday and will now be looking to get a good run of goalscoring form, just like he did at the start of the season.

Cardwell has shown the capabilities he possesses in front of goal – but the game could not be said of defender Ollie Kensdale.

The defender had netted just one in his previous 99 games for the Shrimpers but he clocked up his century in eventful fashion.

The centre-back fired home his first goal of the season to give Blues the lead but then went on to suffer a very nasty looking cut late on.

The defender was unable to continue and later required a trip to hospital to get the wound stitched up.

Blues must now wait and see if Kensdale will be fit enough to feature against Altrincham tomorrow night.

And, with Harry Taylor out with a hamstring issue and Gus Scott-Morriss doubtful with a knee problem, it could prove rather problematic if Kensdale is ruled out.

However, his injury was the only negative on a day where there were eventually plenty of positives on the pitch.

Jason Demetriou deserves a mention for his energetic return to action while Danny Waldron caught the eye in attack with a determined display of his own.

Substitutes Jack Wood and Marcus Dackers sealed a rare win against Aldershot with well taken efforts after coming off the bench and several members of the consortium celebrated the victory with genuine enthusiasm in the directors box after the final whistle.

On the pitch, Blues will now look to build on their back to back victories as they bid to work their way further clear of the bottom four.

But there will also be focus off the pitch too.

MP Anna Firth is right to speak out after being left perplexed at the speed in which the deal for the consortium to take control of the club is currently being dealt with.

And those in positions of power must now match the urgency shown by everyone else connected with the Shrimpers to finally enable the club to move forward on a stable footing.