There was a scare soon after for Southend, but a 25-yard shot from Mark Wright clipped hit Captain Adam on the head and flew over the bar. Not the last time barrett would put his body on the line for his team's cause.
There was a decent shout for a Blues penalty when Rovers defender Carl Regan seemed to push Freedman in the back but the referee turned the veteran striker down.
Dougie nearly got his revenge when he shot just wide of the Rovers right hand post.
Blues keeper Mildenhall made the first of several good saves just before half time keeping out Dickson.
The second period was only three minutes old when good work by Alan McCormack found him clear in the Pirates penalty area and a great cross saw the unmarked Barnard find the net from six yards to give Southend a priceless two goal advantage.
Or so it seemed. For Blues seemed to panic, suddenly clearing the ball aimlessly while giving the ball away under little pressure, Simon Francis being guilty of this offence on more than one occasion.
This allowed the Bristol side to dominate for the first time in the game and Chris Dickson could have had a hat-trick during this spell, two chances going high and wide when it looked easier to find the target.
Grant was now being found out in his new position and made a couple of poor challanges that led to free-kicks in dangerous positions which were wasted.
However, on 56 minutes Rovers found a way back into the game when Chris Lines supplied Wright whose good cross was
The Pirates were given hope after 56 minutes though when a good run by Chris Lines allowed Wright the chance to cross and under pressure from Jo Kuffour the ball was placed wide of Mildenhall by Anthony Grant into his own net.
Mildenhall now produced another save to deny the hapless Dickson, who was soon substituted.
Lee Sawyer came on for the largely quiet Francis Laurent as Tilly saw it was time to keep what the team already had and his skill and enthusiasm were welcome.
Substitute Andy Williams came close to a Rovers equaliser in a goalmouth scramble right at the end but Southend held out for their fourth victory of the campaign which saw them move back into the top ten.
Southend Player Markings: Mildenhall - 8, Francis - 5, Grant - 6, Barrett - 9, Francis - 7, Laurent - 6 (Sawyer 74 - 7), Christophe - 6, McCormack - 7, Moussa - 7 (Herd 90), Barnard - 8, Freedman - 7 (Scannell 85).
Referee: Mr. C. Pawson (Sheffield) - 7