SOUTHEND United played out a dismal 0-0 draw against Cambridge United at Roots Hall this afternoon.

In one of the dullest games of the season so far, neither of the sides ever looked like scoring.

And the Shrimpers therefore had to settle for a share of the spoils which leaves them five points below third placed Wycombe Wanderers having also played a game more than the Chairboys.

Southend also had defender Luke Prosser stretchered off wearing a neck brace 17 minutes from time after he was hit by a well struck Ryan Donaldson free-kick.

But there was very little to excite Blues’ biggest home crowd of the season.

A rare half chance came in the opening exchanges when David Worrall fired a long range shot straight at Cambridge goalkeeper Chris Dunn.

However, the U’s soon hit back and were left angered when Tom Elliott’s charge forward was upended by a strong last ditch challenge from Prosser which the visitors felt should have resulted in a free-kick being given and a possible red card.

But, once the furore died down, Southend were forced into making their first change of the match after just 31 minutes when Kevan Hurst limped off to be replaced by Will Atkinson.

Following the alteration, there remained minimal excitement until the stroke of half time when Worrall’s low volley from John White’s right wing cross was easily saved by Dunn.

After the break, former Blues striker Matt Harrold – who has made a habit of scoring against his old side since leaving – sent a firm header straight at Daniel Bentley.

In reply, the Shrimpers made their second change of the game on the hour mark with Jack Payne coming on for Joe Pigott.

A third substitute soon followed in worrying circumstances in the 73rd minute when Luke Prosser appeared to be knocked out by a well struck Ryan Donaldson free-kick.

Prosser received lengthy treatment from Blues’ medical staff before he left the pitch, on a stretcher, wearing a neck brace.

He was replaced at the heart of the back four by Jerome Binnom-Williams and Southend soon momentarily threatened with Atkinson having a 20 yard shot easily smothered by Dunn.

But, after that, there was very little to entertain the supporters as a game lacking any real quality also ended without any goals.