Dominating possession in the first half the Shrimpers should have been a goal up at half-time.
On 20 minutes Louie Soares failed to score when a great Blair Sturrock cross found the former Aldershot player in front of goal.
Then Josh Simpson shot over the bar after pressure was put on him by the Gills defence.
However, three minutes from the break ex-Gillingham right-back Sean Clohessy saved his new team with an excellent block on a Jack Payne strike.
The home side did improve in the second period and the player that attracted so much Blues interest, Adebayo Akinfenwa, got the Gills fans excited when his strike hit the side netting when from some angles it looked in, a similar incident also happening in the last game between the sides at Priestfield.
Much criticised Blues keeper Glenn Morris had a fine game keeping out good efforts by Cody McDonald and Chris Palmer.
Yet, Barry Corr, of all people on present form, had a brilliant chance in injury time to bring all three points back to south-east Essex, but from 12 yards he pulled his shot wide.
Loanee signing Nathaniel Jarvis certainly doesn't look short of pace when he came off the subs bench to replace Anthony Grant with 15 minutes left, though maybe he needs to work on his passing!
Even so, roll on Lincoln City at Roots Hall on Saturday, and hopefully Luggy's boys will show the faithful they can do the business at home as well.
Southend Player markings: Morris - 7, Clohessy - 7, Gilbert - 7, Barker - 8, Mohsni - 7, Soares - 5, Timlin - 7, Grant - 7 (Grant 75 - 6), Simpson - 6, Corr - 6, Sturrock - 6 (Hall - 7).
Referee - Mr. D. McDermid - 6.