A LAST-GASP equaliser from substitute Henry Sandat secured Southend United a 1-1 draw against Wealdstone at Roots Hall tonight.

Blues went behind early on and seemed set for a frustrating evening after failing to make the most of some excellent opportunities.

But the Shrimpers continued to attack and were rewarded late on with Sandat diverting home a left wing cross from Jack Bridge as the hosts bagged their first home draw of the season.

Southend – who were missing the injured Harry Cardwell in attack – threatened in the opening exchanges with Danny Waldon firing over after being found in the box by Marcus Dackers.

However, the visitors hit back and broke the deadlock in the fifth minute with Adarkwa on target for the 10th time this season.

The striker was left unmarked just six yards from goal and had time and space to neatly control Max Kretzschmar’s left wing cross before firing home.

The goal saw the Shrimpers fall behind for the fourth game in succession and the visitors were soon pushing for a second goal with Tarryn Allarakhia having a low cross shot gathered by goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi at the second attempt.

Blues soon replied and came close to equalising just past the half hour mark when a fine through ball from Jason Demetriou created a good chance for Waldron.

The forward lifted the ball over the advancing Marcus Dewhurst but Stones skipper Jack Cook got back well to clear the effort away from goal.

Dewhurst then tipped over a looping volley from Noor Husin before the visitors threatened down the left hand side with Allarakhia beating two or three Blues defenders before seeing his shot blocked by Andeng Ndi at the near post.

And on the stroke of half-time the visitors threatened again with Dillon De Silva bursting into the box before sending a left footed shot over the crossbar.

Blues made a change at the break with Oli Coker coming on for Wes Fonguck in midfield and the hosts soon wasted a big chance to draw back level as an unmarked Waldron headed Demetriou’s right wing cross over the crossbar from six yards out.

Moments later, Husin saw his shot deflected over the crossbar from 12 yards before Dackers headed Scott-Morriss’ right wing cross wide of the target.

Wealdstone replied by bringing on ex Blues midfielder Nathan Ferguson and he was immediately involved, firing over the crossbar from 20 yards.

The Shrimpers soon responded with a change of their own as Sandat replaced Waldron in attack and the striker was immediately involved as Dewhurst rushed out to stop him reaching a knock down from Scott-Morriss.

A stooping Dackers then headed a right wing cross from Scott-Morriss over the crossbar before Sandat wasted a fine opportunity as he headed over a left wing cross from Bridge.

Blues made their third and final change in the 83rd minute with Jack Wood replacing Scott-Morriss down the right hand side before the hosts made sure of point just seven minutes later.

Bridge was again the creator as he darted in from the left hand side before delivering an inviting cross Sandat stabbed home to make it six games unbeaten for Kevin Maher’s side.