A DEPLETED Southend United fought incredibly hard against high-flying Bromley but were beaten 2-1 at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers went into the clash without a recognised striker and lost goalkeeper David Martin through injury when 2-0 down just past the hour mark.

But, despite wing-back Gus Scott-Morriss going in goal, Blues fought back with Brooklyn Kabongolo heading home and it was the hosts pushing for an equaliser late on.

The game was late to start after the visitors were forced to change socks just before kick off and the match was then held up for a few minutes after Scott-Morriss clattered into the advertising hoardings.

But, after a considerable amount of treatment, Scott-Morriss was able to continue.

Once the game resumed, Bromley midfielder Corey Whitely sent along range shot straight at Shrimpers goalkeeper Martin who then also gathered a close range header from Michael Cheek.

But, after surviving the scares, Blues hit back and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute when a low 20 yard shot from Jack Bridge was well saved by Grant Smith down to his left hand side.

However, Bromley stood firm and broke the deadlock six minutes into stoppage time when a right wing cross from Josh Passley was headed back across goal by Michael Cheek, enabling Corey Whitley to volley home from 12 yards.

The visitors stayed on top after the break and doubled their lead in the 54th minute following a huge mistake from Ollie Kensdale.

The Blues defender lost the ball to Olufela Olomola on the edge of his own penalty area before Olomola went clear on goal and, with Martin left to beat, squared the ball to Cheek to tap home.

The depleted Shrimpers suffered a further blow in the 63rd minute when Martin suffered a nasty looking injury after falling awkwardly after colliding with Olomola just outside his penalty area.

With no keeper on the bench, Scott-Morriss went between the sticks with Mauro Vilhete coming on out at right wing-back.

Shorty after the enforced change, the Shrimpers made a tactical move with defender Brooklyn Kabongo being thrust into the attack.

And, ten minutes from time, the change helped Blues get back in the game as a fine left wing cross from Bridge was headed home by Kabongolo from close range.

With the Shrimpers now miraculously pushing for an equaliser, Wood saw a 12 yard shot pushed away by Smith who then also smothered a long range shot from Oli Coker.

But Bromley held on to record their second 2-1 win of the season against Blues.