Swansea City’s victory, ironically at Bury, came courtesy of the only goal of the game after just 27 seconds, and edged the Welsh side ahead of United by just two points.
However, the Shrimpers slip into fourth place was not without controversy. United’s own game on the Mouth of the Humber was called short with just one of the allotted four minutes stoppage time played due to an unnecessary pitch invasion from the home supporters whilst Swansea’s win at Bury was reputedly halted after only 87 minutes after Swans’ supporters had raced onto the pitch for a second time.
Southend United though only have themselves to blame after a slump in fortunes has brought just one point from the final three games, having led the table only slightly more than two weeks ago.
Tilson’s men dominated Grimsby from start to finish, but a lack of ambition inside the penalty area cost United dear, and as soon as the Mariners took a shock lead on 57 minutes.
Mark Bentley returned to the United starting line-up, replacing Luke Guttridge following the previous weeks home reverse against eventual champions Yeovil Town, whilst Alan McCormack came onto the left flank at the expense of Mark Gower.
Shooting towards their 2,500-strong support, Southend were quick off the blocks, but despite all their possession failed to really make an impact on Town custodian Anthony Williams.
With knowledge of Swansea’s early goal – gaffer Tilson remaining in phone contact on the sidelines – the Shrimpers knew they needed a goal, and Carl Pettefer couldn’t believe his luck when a drove a low Duncan Jupp centre over the top from 12 yards with Williams left stranded.
Minutes later referee Graham Salisbury, who did very little 5to endear himself to the visiting support, denied Southend a stone-wall penalty after Spencer Prior had been shoved to the floor inside the box.
Another fantastic chance to take that most crucial lead arrived when Wayne Gray was played through on goal by Freddy Eastwood only minutes after the re-start, but the pacey striker seemed to find himself in two minds and his shot was easily stopped by a most surprised Williams.
Then, three minutes before the hour mark Blues were dealt a major blow, striker Michael Reddy left enough time and space to turn on the edge of the box and fire a shot past Darryl Flahavan and in off the upright. Indeed it was the only effort on target the home side were to enjoy. (1-0)
Gray, again, squandered a chance to put United back on level terms only moments later when he diverted a low Pettefer cross against the Grimsby crossbar before the ball bounced to safety.
It was on 70 minutes that the promotion chasers pulled a goal back, Eastwood popping up at the back post to cleanly head home a Kevin Maher corner. (1-1)
Southend, and Eastwood in particular with one rasping 20 yard shot which bent only inches wide, continued to throw everything at the opponents, but unfortunately the end product never really saw custodian Williams tested.
Supporters were given false hope as time ticked away, with incorrect news from one source that Bury had forced a late leveller, but as the premature whistle arrived, followers from the South were left realising that their side, if they are to win promotion, will need to do it the hard way. Northampton Town, who have been beaten three times by United already this season, provide the opposition over two legs, with the winner facing either Lincoln City or Macclesfield Town at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 28th May.