HARRY Cardwell returned to the score-sheet to secure Southend United a 1-1 draw at Gateshead this afternoon.

The Shrimpers – who were again able to select just two substitutes - went behind early on with Stephen Wearne firing the hosts in front.

But Cardwell ended a six game goal drought to earn Kevin Maher’s side a hard-fought point with his 12th effort of the season.

In-form Gateshead threatened early on with Greg Olley having a low shot saved down to his right hand side by David Martin before Blues hit back with Brooklyn Kabongolo sending a deflected effort just wide of the left post following a right wing cross from Gus Scott-Morriss.

In reply, the free-scoring Marcus Dinanga fired over the crossbar when well placed in the penalty area before Kabongolo threatened again for the Shrimpers but failed to make clean contact with Jack Bridge’s left wing corner just six yards from goal.

Kabongolo was one of three changes for Blues with Dan Mooney and Daniel Kanu also being recalled as both Wes Fonguck and Oli Coker missed out in midfield with injuries.

Harry Taylor moved from defence into the centre of the park alongside Mooney and Noor Husin.

But, with 14 minutes on the clock, Mooney carelessly lost possession in midfield which enabled Gateshead to launch a counter-attack which resulted in Stephen Wearne cutting in from the left hand side and blasting a powerful 20 yard shot into the opposite corner of the net.

However, the Shrimpers soon wasted a good chance to draw back level when another dangerous left wing corner from Bridge found Kabongolo who diverted the ball wide of the right post from inside the six yard box.

Blues created another excellent opportunity at the start of the second period but Kanu could only send a low shot straight at Archie Mair when he should have done better.

After surviving the scare, Gateshead soon wasted a good chance of their own when a poor pass from Ollie Kensdale allowed Luke Hannant to play Dinanga clean through on goal only for the striker to see his shot pushed over the crossbar by Martin.

In a bid to get back into the game, Blues made their first substitution the 69th minute with Jack Wood taking the place of Mooney and Wood immediately came close to grabbing an equaliser.

The attacking midfielder collected a poor pass from Kanu before creating space for himself and slamming a powerful shot against the top of the right post.

Gateshead immediately replied with Dinanga firing inches wide of the left post before the hosts came even closer to making it 2-0 when substitute Jordan Hunter sent a low shot against the inside of the left post.

The relieved Shrimpers immediately made the most of the let off and equalised just a minute later, with Cardwell on target once again.

The striker reacted sharply after Gus Scott-Morriss’ volley from Jack Bridge’s left wing cross was parried out by Mair and slammed the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

Gateshead rallied after the equaliser with Kyran Lofthouse having a curling shot saved by Martin before substitute Nick Chadwick wasted a huge chance to put the hosts back in front, firing over from 12 yards late on.