SOUTHEND United’s failure to finish in front of goal meant they had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Bristol Rovers at Roots Hall this afternoon.

The Shrimpers created a hatful of chances but were unable to find a way past their former goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall.

And that made it five games without a win for Phil Brown since he took control of the club.

Blues’ first chance came in the 19th minute when Matthew Lund curled a 25 yard free-kick wide of the left post against his former side but, just seconds later, the home-side wasted a good chance to open the scoring when Ryan Leonard headed Marc Laird’s left wing cross straight at Mildenhall.

Little happened after that chance until the 40th minute when Leonard’s latest effot – a 20 yard shot following a half cleared Freddy Eastwood corner – was easily saved by Mildenhall.

But, on the stroke of half-time, the shot stopper was rooted to the spot, as Ryan Cresswell’s header from Sean Clohessy’s right wing cross flashed just wide of the right post.

Blues went close to breaking the deadlock again right at the start of the second half, when Barry Corr sent a 20 yard shot inches wide of the left post.

However, the Shrimpers should have gone in front in the 57th minute when Clohessy’s right wing cross picked out an unmarked Britt Assombalonga but he could only head wide of the right post from six yards.

And, just seconds later, Southend wasted another excellent opportunity in front of goal when Corr headed Anthony Straker’s left wing cross past the left post from close range.

With the home-side remaining on top, Leonard then scuffed a 25 yard shot off target and, in the 77th minute, Eastwood’s well struck 20 yard shot was parried out by Mildenhall who then did well to also keep out Assombalonga’s follow up effort before Corr just failed to connect with the resulting rebound.

That proved to be Eastwood’s last involvement in the match as he was replaced in attack by Gavin Tomlin but Blues were unable to make a late breakthrough.