SOUTHEND put more breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone by beating visitors Old Patesians by the most slender of margins.

But it took a Great Escape act from the Seasiders to win the points after they had made another sloppy start and looked to be heading for a third successive league defeat when they trailled 14-0 in the first half.

Captain Jamie Connors, who was awarded December's Player of the Month trophy before the game, praised his team mates for their efforts.

"We didn't play anything like our full potential," said the Kiwi. "To come back from 14-0 down and then a 19-10 deficit in the second half shows the togetherness and character of our team.

"But we will need to start a lot better when we travel to Lydney who are fighting for promotion in our next game."

Southend are now ninth in the league standings.

Other results: Barking 18-17 Hertford; Havant 33-15 Haywards Heath; North Walsham 27-9 Tabard; Reading 33-18 Dings Crusaders; Redruth 41-0 Weston-Super-Mare; Westcombe Park 19-19 Lydney.