Southend United were held to a 1-1 draw at Roots Hall by Hartlepool United, though the result keeps both sides unbeaten in the early stages of the National League season.
The Shrimpers made a lightning start, taking the lead inside two minutes when Hartlepool skipper Tom Parkes turned a Harry Boyes cross into his own net. Southend dominated much of the first half, with Andrew Dallas and Charley Kendall going close, but visiting goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright denied them a second.
After the interval, the missed opportunities proved costly. Nathan Sheron struck from distance on 66 minutes, his effort deflecting past Collin Andeng Ndi to bring Hartlepool level. The visitors nearly snatched victory late on, but Andeng Ndi produced a superb save to deny Sam Folarin’s header and secure a point apiece.
The result sees Southend sit fifth in the table ahead of Saturday’s trip to Solihull Moors.
Full-Time: Southend United 1-1 Hartlepool United
Goals
- Southend: Parkes (own goal, 2’)
- Hartlepool: Sheron (66’)
Yellow Cards
- Southend: Miley (21’)
- Hartlepool: Hunter (26’), John (89’), Folarin (90’)
Referee: Jason Richardson
Attendance: 8,516 (196 away fans)
Southend United XI: Andeng Ndi, Taylor, Goodliffe, Gubbins, Scott-Morriss, Appiah-Forson, Miley (Morton 74’), Parillon (Hopper 64’), Boyes (Bridge 85’), Kendall (Austin 64’), Dallas (Spasov 85’).
Subs not used: Hayes, Coker.
Hartlepool United XI: Cartwright, Kouogun, Parkes (Folarin 75’), John, McNally, Sheron, Hunter (Daly 45’), Topalloj (Charman 45’), Francis (Walker 74’), Reid (Johnson 85’), Miley.
Subs not used: Campbell, Smith.