Southend had to settle for a point at Roots Hall on Saturday as Jack Payne’s, on target again, goal was cancelled out in the second half in a one-one draw with Oxford United.
Payne, fresh from his first goals for us when he scored twice in our Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat on penalties against AFC Wimbledon, almost had another goal but Oxford goalkeeper George Long managed to turn his effort wide.
We had other chances, and a penalty appeal, as Daniel Bentley dealt what was thrown at him fairly convincingly but Will Hoskins was guilty of missing a great chance for Oxford when he was clean through.
The lead, as we looked to end a run of four without a win, came before half time when Payne did score his third of the week when he drove Conor Clifford’s pass home.
Oxford almost got level in the second half but Daniel Bentley saved Danny Hylton’s volley to keep us ahead. Bentley had to be at his best to turn over another effort from the Oxford striker soon after.
Hylton wouldn’t be denied on sixty seven minutes though. Luke Prosser was penalised for a foul on Hylton and he stepped up to beat Bentley himself and leave us cursing a missed chance to get back to winning ways.
Another worry was Ben Coker’s injury, which forced him off so we ended the game with only ten men as Phil Brown had already made all three of his changes.
Share this article
Related Articles
