Rochdale AFC takeover: Ogden Family bid statement in full after preferred investor announcement
Additionally, Kevin Maher concluded the season eighth in the standings, six points outside of the play-off spots, as a result of the loss, which put an end to Blues’ 15-game winning streak.
With Scott-Morriss on target for the eighth time this season, the Blues got off to a fast start and took the lead after only eight minutes.
A fluid play that spanned the whole length of the pitch was completed by Jack Bridge, who cut back inside from the left side and sent in a wonderful cross that Scott-Morriss volleyed home from close range.
Subsequently, Danny Waldron, a striker for the Shrimpers, pounced on a straggling defensive pass and fired a 20-yard shot that went over the crossbar.
Bridge then curled a long-range attempt over the North Bank net, and Hayes responded for the visitors with a deflected effort wide of the left post.
Harry Cardwell gave Rochdale custodian Tiernan Brooks a hard shot after the Shrimpers striker cut in from the left, putting Southend back ahead.
But Rochdale responded, as Hayes fired a hard shot against the crossbar and then equalised shortly before halftime after Blues defender Ollie Kensdale made a mistake.
The center-back for the Shrimpers gave up the ball cheaply, allowing Hayes to get clear on goal and move around the approaching Collin Andeng Ndi before finishing with a touch.
Thirteen minutes after the break, Oli Coker and James Morton were replaced by Noor Husin and Wes Fonguck, marking the Blues’ double substitution.
Soon after the changes, Kairo Mitchell of Rochdale curled a 20-yard attempt wide of the right post. Fonguck then squandered two consecutive chances for Blues to respond.
The midfield player missed his first attempt at shooting and eventually had his shot blocked.
However, he blew a much better opportunity to score a few seconds later when he was left unmarked eight yards away and utterly mishit his effort.
Twelve minutes from time, Blues made another change, replacing Waldron with Callum Powell.
Soon after, the game turned somewhat flat when Husin sent a 20-yard shot over the crossbar.
But as the Shrimpers’ season came to an end, Rochdale won it late on when Rodney raced clear through on goal and scored with a low effort past Andeng Ndi.
