Certainly Tranmere Rovers were worthy of their victory on the day and the margin could, and should, have been greater.
United created only a handful of opportunities as Rovers dominated in defence.
Tranmere, who miss out on the play-offs, made much of the first-half running. Shane Sherriff saw a 17th-minute shot deflected over the bar by Simon Francis. Then, keeper Darryl Flahavan did well to tip over a Chris Greenacre shot which bounced of Adam Barrett.
Andy Taylor was wide with a free-kick and Sherriff blazed over from ten yards.
Tranmere should have gone ahead in the 35th minute. Ian Moore was put clear by Sherriff, but Flahavan made a fine blocking save.
Charlie Mulgrew had seen an early free-kick for Southend pushed over by keeper Danny Coyne.
Alan McCormack was just wide with an effort from the edge of the box after a good run through in the 21st minute and just before the break Alex Revell saw a header turned away for a corner by Coyne.
Tranmere continued to dictate in the second period. Steve Jennings missed the target from 20 yards before the only goal in the 53rd minute, after some excellent build-up work. Antony Kay powered a header into the roof of the net from a cross by Sherriff.
Kay went close to doubling the margin on 68 minutes, but saw his goalbound shot turned over by the United keeper.
Greenacre then headed over from close range and missed the target when he should have done better in the 88th minute.
Southend sent on three second-half replacements but they could not make an impact.
Nicky Bailey and Peter Clarke did well for the losers. Ian Goodison and Ben Chorley did well in central defence for the winners and there was also a solid contribution from both Kay and Sherriff.