SOUTHEND United slumped to a 1-0 defeat against play-off pushing Gateshead at Roots Hall this afternoon.

Marcus Dinanga bagged the only goal of the game during a frustrating clash for the Shrimpers which saw them hit the woodwork twice in stoppage time.

The game was Blues’ first at home in 28 days but it was Rob Elliot’s side who threatened first with Connor McBride firing an early effort over the crossbar from 20 yards following a loose from Harry Taylor before Dinanga sent a low, left footed shot inches wide of the right post.

Ed Francis then saw a curling 25 yard-free-kick pushed away by Shrimpers goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi.

But Blues replied with Noor Husin curling a 25 yard free-kick straight at Gateshead goalkeeper Eddie Beach before Harry Cardwell somehow failed to connect with a curling left wing cross from Jack Bridge when a goal looked certain.

The rest of the first half was short of goalmouth action before the Shrimpers were forced into a change at the break with Adam Crowther coming on at the back to replace Taylor.

The visitors threatened first at the start of the second half with McBride having a close range shot blocked by the legs of Blues goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi.

But, with 58 minutes on the clock, Gateshead broke the deadlock as Dinanga swept home his 18th goal of the season from 12 yards after seeing his initial shot blocked by Andeng Ndi.

Blues soon responded with Danny Waldron replacing Marcus Dackers in attack before James Morton also replaced Wes Fonguck in midfield.

Skipper Nathan Ralph then saw an angled effort saved by Beach in the 81st minute before the Shrimpers twice came within a whisker of drawing back level in added on time.

Blues’ top scorer Harry Cardwell sent a left wing corner from Bridge against the right post and, just seconds later, Nathan Ralph nodded a right wing corner from Bridge against the crossbar.

The defeat leaves the Shrimpers 17th in the table, two points above the drop zone.