The Shrimpers opened the scoring in the first half through Kyle Asante but Matt McClure's header just before the hour mark and Jamie Young's late penalty save ensured the Blues came away with a point from Roots Hall.

Wanderers midfielder Lewis Montrose provided the first threat of the match when he flashed a shot just wide of Ian Joyce's right-hand post.

Former Chairboy Lee Sawyer then tested Jamie Young with a low shot, before striker Ashley Chambers was replaced by McClure on 30 minutes after picking up a hamstring injury.

On the stroke of half-time Southend took the lead. Joyce's long kick found Asante in the Wanderers box and the Shrimpers forward coolly lobbed the ball over Young.

Richard Dobson's side responded strongly at the start of the second period and their pressure told on 57 minutes when youngster McClure headed past Joyce after a jinking run and cross from Tom O'Regan.

With 10 minutes remaining the hosts were handed the opportunity to regain the lead from the penalty spot after O'Regan had upended Jamie Dennis in the box.

However, the Blues' Aussie stopper guessed right to smother Craig Calver's kick to keep the score at 1-1.

Dennis then forced Young into a smart save before Calver missed a one-on-one opportunity to steal victory for Southend. 

Speaking to wwfc.com, Richard Dobson said: "I thought for long spells we were the better side. Admittedly there weren't many chances in the game, but we always looked threatening."

Wanderers: Young, O'Regan, Grayley, Westwood, Oliver, Harris, Montrose, Doherty, Spence, Fitchett, Chambers.

Subs: Brennan, Saku, Belcher, Wallace, McClure.