Player-manager Rob Newman ended the Blues' run of two defeats at Whaddon Road last night.

The centre-half cancelled out Lee Howell's second half strike for the Robins to give the Shrimpers a share of the spoils.

And the point ground out in pouring rain saw Southend and Cheltenham move up a place each to 13th and seventh in the Division Three standings respectively.

Neither side was able to make the breakthrough in an evenly-contested first half, although striker Mark Rawle saw his fifth-minute shot blocked after he picked up on loan midfielder Ian Selley's pass.

Forward Tes Bramble had an even better chance on eight minutes thanks to a good Brian Barry-Murphy cross from the left.

But the frontman shot wide when clear on goal before Rawle fired over Town keeper Steve Book's bar after 31 minutes. Rawle's stoppage time shot was saved by Book.

At the other end Southend keeper Darryl Flahavan made saves to deny Mark Yates twice, while Jamie Victory, Tony Naylor and Russell Milton all shot wide.

Cheltenham made the breakthrough six minutes into the second half when striker Julian Alsop worked a one-two in the Southend area with Howells and Flahavan failed to stop the midfielder's shot, which trickled over the line.

But Blues travelling fans among the 4,015 crowd were finally rewarded for their vocal support in the 84th minute.

Southend midfielder Brian Barry-Murphy's right-wing corner was knocked back across the Town six-yard box by Bramble at the far post and Newman was on hand to volley home.

The Shrimpers complete their hat-trick of away days on Saturday when they travel to Hartlepool United.

For a full match report and pictures see today's Evening Echo.

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Published Wednesday February 20, 2002