Harry haunts the Blues

 

Bristol Rovers striker Matt Harrold returned to haunt old club Southend with an equaliser to cancel out Neil Harris' goal for the League Two leaders and ensure a 1-1 draw at Roots Hall.

 

Substitute Harrold had only been on for four minutes when he headed home Matt Gill's right-wing cross from eight yards to equalise in the 77th minute with Rovers' first shot on target.

 

Southend, who went into the match two points clear at the top of the table, took the lead in the 66th minute when Liam Dickinson crossed to Harris, who slid in at the back post to shoot into the right side of Scott Bevan's goal.

 

The first half had been a dour affair with the best chance falling to veteran former Millwall striker Harris, whose header was turned onto the right post by Bevan.

 

The Pirates' goalkeeper also did well to touch a Ryan Hall shot onto the post at the death before Mohsni fired over with the follow-up as Blues pressed for a winner.

 

But ultimately the eighth goal of the season from Harrold, who left Roots Hall in 2008 after two years, left Southend top of the division on goal difference from Crawley.