THREE goals in the final 14 minutes saw Southend United slip to a costly 4-2 defeat at Stevenage this afternoon.

Goals from Joe Pigott and Barry Corr at the start of the second half had seen the Shrimpers recover from going a goal behind to lead 2-1.

But the introduction of teenage substitution Ben Kennedy swayed the match back in Stevenage’s favour as he scored once and made two other goals as Graham Westley’s side secured their first ever victory against Blues.

Stevenage started brightly with Dean Parrett unleashing a well struck 18 yard shot which was smartly smothered at his near post by the fit again Daniel Bentley.

However, Blues soon hit back with Ryan Leonard dragging a low, long range shot wide of the left post before his powerfully struck effort, from far closer, was diverted for a corner by Stevenage defender Andy Bond who was positioned just in front of goalkeeper Chris Day.

But, having survived the scares, the hosts hit back to open the scoring on the half hour mark, with Roarie Deacon on target with a fortuitous effort.

The defender cut in off the left flank and delivered a low, inswinging cross which missed a host of bodies inside the penalty area before nestling in the bottom right hand corner of the net.

However, the Shrimpers were able to equaliser four minutes in to the second half following a well worked moved down the right flank which saw Michael Timlin set David Worrall free.

His deep cross then picked out Pigott at the far post and the on loan Charlton Athletic striker made no mistake with a fantastic, volleyed finish.

Seven minutes later, Blues were in front with Corr on target from the penalty spot.

The spot-kick was awarded for a poorly timed Simon Walton lunge on Worrall and Corr gleefully sent his effort into the bottom left hand corner of the net, despite goalkeeper Chris Day diving the right way.

But Southend were unable to hang on to the lead as Stevenage equalised with a penalty of their own with 74 minutes on the clock.

Referee Geoff Eltringham pointed to the spot after Leonard had brought down Kennedy in the box and Walton atoned for his error at the other end of the field by stroking the penalty in to the bottom left hand corner of the net.

In a bid to get back in front, Shrimpers boss Phil Brown introduced both Kevan Hurst and Jake Cassidy in to the action.

And the duo soon combined with Cassidy turning well after collecting Hurst’s left wing cross only to see his close range shot saved by Day.

The wasted opportunity soon came back to haunt Blues, as Stevenage substitute Kennedy put the hosts in front four minutes from time.

The talented teenager was teed up down the right hand side after Calvin Zola had worked his way past Cian Bolger and advanced well before sending a calm left footed finish in to the bottom right hand corner of the net.

Blues boss Brown immediately reacted by bringing Shaq Coulthirst on for Deegan but it was Stevenage who remained on top and sealed their win in stoppage time.

Kennedy was again the creator as he raced on to a poor pass from Ben Coker before teeing up the on-rushing Dean Parrett who fired home to complete a miserable afternoon for the Shrimpers.