BARRY Corr’s early effort ensured Southend United started the new season in winning fashion, beating Plymouth Argyle 1-0 at Roots Hall.

The Irish striker, who almost joined Burton Albion during the summer, fired home the only goal of the game after just 15 minutes.

And his well taken goal was also enough to end a run of 10 games without a home win for the Shrimpers.

Corr reacted sharply after Marc Laird’s low left footed shot has been blocked by the legs of Pilgrims goalkeeper Luke McCormick and guided the ball in to the back of the net from close range.

Argyle soon hit back with Rueben Reid volleying a left wing cross from Romauld Boco wide of the left post.

And on the stroke of half time Pilgrims centre back Paul Wotton flicked up a 25 yard free-kick and sent a volleyed effort straight at Blues goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

At the start of the second period, Will Atkinson’s deflected long range shot was just missed by Corr on its way past the left post for a corner and, in the 63rd minute, a well struck deflected free kick from Freddy Eastwood was pushed wide of the target by McCormick.

The visitors soon hit back with Reid shooting straight at Bentley from 12 yards before Blues boss Phil Brown made his first change of the afternoon in the 68th minute with new boy Craig Reid coming on to replace Eastwood in attack.

And, just seconds after the striker’s introduction, Blues almost doubled their lead when Corr headed the ball down in to the path of Marc Laird whose low 16 yard shot was impressively saved by the outstretched leg of McCormick.

The Shrimpers then wasted a clearer chance to double their lead when Anthony Straker slashed a shot wide of the left post from 12 yards before Plymouth also threatened with Conor Hourihane having a low range effort smartly smothered by Bentley.

In reply, Blues brought on midfielder Conor Clifford to replace Corr and stayed strong in the closing stages to secure an opening day victory.