Leyton Orient 2 Southend United 2

Last updated : 02 February 2008 By Footymad Previewer
Orient substitute Jabo Ibehre headed home a dramatic equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time to deny Southend a win in this absorbing derby duel.

The visitors had twice gone ahead through Lee Barnard and Pete Clarke, but Orient hit back with strikes from Adam Boyd and Ibehre as honours ended even in this promotion battle.

Both sides had chances in an even first half, but O's keeper Stuart Nelson was quickly into action when he pushed away Mark Gower's free-kick on two minutes.

Orient hit back and enjoyed their best spell of the half as Wayne Corden drilled a 25-yard drive inches wide with Southend keeper Darryl Flahavan beaten and then Tamika Mkandawire headed over Jason Demetriou's cross.

Boyd then blasted over before Southend replied and recent signing Barnard fired the visitors ahead on 27 minutes.

Clarke beat Paul Terry down the left and crossed for Charlie Mulgrew, whose shot was cleared off the line by Orient skipper Stephen Purchase, but Barnard was first to react and crashed the rebound home.

Southend almost stretched their lead on 36 minutes but O's midfielder Wayne Corden cleared Clarke's header off the line.

After the interval, the game exploded into life and Boyd levelled from the penalty spot - his tenth league goal of the season - after Adam Barrett was adjudged to have handled.

Orient's joy was shortlived as Southend defender Clarke restored their lead on 56th minutes when he crashed home a spectacular effort from 35 yards.

Orient threw caution to the wind and threw on substitute strikers Ibehre and Wayne Gray as they went in search of a leveller.

Orient created a catalogue of chances as Mkandawire hit the bar, then Terry and Boyd went close.

But Ibehre headed home a right-wing cross from Charlie Daniels in a drama-drenched ending.

However, it could have been different if Alex Revell had not wasted a golden chance minutes earlier for the visitors.