Sruggling Southend United secured a rare goal-less draw against York City in an uneventful encounter at a freezing Roots Hall last night.

Coming through - man-of-the-match Mark Gower evades a York challenge Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

The Blues battled hard against a well organised Minstermen outfit but, despite their best efforts, were unable to break down a five-man York defence who stopped Steve Tilson's side creating any clear cut chances.

A speculative first half strike from Mark Gower was the closest the home-side came to scoring, and it was the former Barnet winger who was at the heart of virtually all of the Shrimpers most productive forays forwards.

Time and time again the skilfull midfielder delivered dangerous crosses into the box, while also running his opposing full back ragged with a series of fine skills to cap another fine display on the left flank.

Sadly, however, the Shrimpers were, once again, unable to work their way onto the score-sheet -- and this worrying statistic is starting to become frustratingly familiar for the Southend faithful.

The Seasiders, who still sit 22nd in the table, have now not netted at Roots Hall in the league since November and have also scored fewer home goals than any other team in Division Three.

On a more positive note though, the shot-shy Shrimpers secured another clean sheet against Chris Brass' men and, at long, long last, also had a bit of luck as first half efforts from York duo Chris Smith and David Merris both bounced back off the woodwork.

Fingers crossed Southend will continue to get the rub of the green as they enter a critical stage of the season which sees them taking on a number of their fellow strugglers in the next few weeks.

Published Wednesday January 28, 2004

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