The United defence never properly cleared a cross into the penalty area and
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Jones had a chance to double the home side's advantage in the 23rd minute but he shot wayward from an angle with only Flahavan to beat. Barrington Belgrave then found himself in referee Frazer Stretton's book for an innocous challenge on Graham Mitchell.
Five minutes before the break Paul Harsley found his powerful shot charged down by Phil Whelan and Southend then created their best opportunity of the half. Belgrave, with Stephen Clark in acres of space opted to knock the ball to Tesfaye Bramble who returned the favour only for Belgrave to shoot over the crossbar from a tight angle after a skillful run. The half finished with Rawle finding Bramble who shot wide from the edge of the area.
The second half was certainly more entertaining than its predecessor, as Southend, with Stuart Thurgood replacing the injured Kevin Maher at half time, looking a much better side. Twenty minutes into the half Rob Newman brought himself on to to play a central midfield role to keep the motivation levels up on the pitch.
Carl Hutchings' free kick was headed into the arms of Halifax goalkeeper Barry Richardson on 55 minutes before Cort repeated the feat two minutes later, connecting to a Stephen Broad free kick. Hutchings then played a dangerous ball across the face of goal which Bramble was just unable to control at the far post.
Belgrave shot wide following good build up play involving Hutchings and then Bramble.
Ian Fitzpatrick hit a shot over Flahavan's crossbar from 25 yards on 74 minutes before Flahavan bravely dived at the toes of Jones to grasp the ball before the striker could work himself into a shooting position.
As Southend finally began to get going, Paul Stoneman struck a clearance against Belgrave and the ball bounced inches wide of the Richardson's goal.
Steve Kerrigan shot a long way over the crossbar before United's equaliser arrived in the 82nd minute. Belgrave's low right wing cross appeared to cause little threat but Halifax defender Andy Woodward hit his clearance straight against the unsuspecting Leon Johnson and with Richardson wrong footed, the ball rolled into the net.
Robert Herbert's goalbound shot was poked wide by Jones, but at the other end Southend were noe searching for a winning goal. A strong Bramble run eventually brought a corner off Town defender Chris Clarke and from Stuart Thurgood's corner kick Whelan applied plenty of power to a header but unfortunately directed it straight at Richardson from 15 yards.
Three minutes from time Halifax were reduced to ten men as Paul Stoneman, cautioned in the first half for the late tackle which brought Maher's injury was dismissed for another late tackle, this time on Rob Newman.
With time running out both Belgrave and Clark had found themselves free on the right with a clear path to goal, however the ball was in the possession of Bramble who selfishly took the ball forward himself only to see the chance wasted, then with only seconds remaining Cort headed a Belgrave cross agonisingly wide of the post.
Mark Wallis