SOUTHEND United’s search for a victory and a goal continued with a 0-0 draw at bottom of the table Oxford City this afternoon.

The Shrimpers – who had skipper Nathan Ralph sent off 10 minutes from time – have now gone four games without hitting the back of the net.

And Kevin Maher’s side were unable to find a breakthrough at the RAW Charging Stadium despite being roared on by an impressive away following of 1,200 fans.

Harry Cardwell saw an early effort gathered by Oxford City goalkeeper Tom Watson at the second attempt before Ralph had a goalbound effort blocked following a half-cleared free-kick from Jack Bridge.

Blues continued to enjoy more of the ball but found it tough to break down a deep defence with the hosts – who included ex Southend defender Brooklyn Kabongolo in their starting line-up - looking to hit the visitors on the break.

City did break forward on the half hour mark with Renny Smith tapping home but only after the flag had gone up for offside.

Southend replied with Adam Crowther heading a right wing cross from Gus Scott-Morriss over the crossbar before play switched back to the other end of the field with Aaron Williams-Bushell having a well-struck 20 yard shot impressively pushed wide of the right post by Blues goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi.

The Shrimpers soon hit back with Noor Husin playing a fine through ball into the path of a sliding Cardwell who saw his shot blocked by the onrushing City goalkeeper Tom Watson.

Blues came even closer to breaking the deadlock at the start of the second half with Crowther slamming a powerful shot against the crossbar before Cardwell fired over from 20 yards.

Moments later, a low shot from Wes Fonguck was saved by Watson after a fine right cross from Noor Husin before Henry Sandat volleyed over after being teed up by Scott-Morriss.

But, after surviving the scares, Oxford came close to taking the lead when Josh Ashby slammed a long range shot against the top of the crossbar.

The Shrimpers responded by making a double change in the 69th minute as James Morton replaced Fonguck in midfield and Marcus Dackers coming on for Sandat in attack.

However, it was the hosts who threatened next with Andeng Ndi doing well to deny Harvey Greenslade from close range before Jacob Roddy fired wide of the left post.

Blues replied with Morton sending a looping header straight at Watson before Kevin Maher’s side were reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute with skipper Nathan Ralph being shown a second yellow card.

Ralph, who was booked for a foul early on, was ordered off after attempting an overhead kick which referee Jon Mulligan deemed as dangerous play due to proximity of Josh Parker.

The Shrimpers made a third change two minutes from time with Jason Demetriou replacing Jack Bridge.

But the visitors were unable to make a late breakthrough with Dackers sending a low shot straight at Watson as Blues were held to their first goalless draw of the season