LUKE Prosser’s stoppage time header handed Southend United a dramatic 2-1 victory against York City in front of more than 9,000 fans at Roots Hall this afternoon.

The Shrimpers seemed set to have to settle for a share of the spoils after visiting striker Ryan Bowman had cancelled out Kevan Hurst’s opener.

But, after both of the goalscorers had been sent off, Prosser nodded in Ben Coker’s right wing free-kick to secure a fourth successive win for Phil Brown’s side.

Before the late drama, Blues had taken the lead after just six minutes when Coker’s right wing corner was cleared in to the path of Hurst who composed himself well before firing an angled 16 yard effort in off the left post.

Ten minutes later York suffered a further blow when skipper Danny Parslow had to be stretchered off after clattering in to the advertising hoardings behind the North Bank.

He was replaced at the heart of the Minstermen’s defence by David McGurk but the visitors soon began to get back in to the game.

As a result, Blues goalkeeper Daniel Bentley had to be at his best to stop the visitors equalising in the 24th minute as he parried out Keith Lowe’s header from Josh Carson’s left wing free-kick before doing well to also keep out McGurk’s follow up effort.

York then came even closer to drawing back level when Bowman scuffed a shot against the left post before the ball rolled back in to the path of the grateful Bentley.

In reply, Will Atkinson then volleyed over from 18 yards after Coker’s right wing free-kick had partially cleared to the edge of the penalty area.

However, York were back on top at the start of the second half and they drew back level in the 56th minute, with Bowman on target.

The striker reacted sharply after Carson’s close range header had been well saved by Bentley and drilled a low 12 yard shot in to the back of the North Bank net.

Two minutes later, things got even worse for the Shrimpers as Hurst was shown his second yellow card of the afternoon.

After picking up his first caution for the celebrations that followed his goal, the winger was dismissed by referee Darren Sheldrake for pulling the shirt of Ben Davies.

York immediately attempted to make the most of their extra man and only a fantastic save from Bentley stopped Elliott Whitehouse putting the visitors in front with a well struck volley.

Keith Lowe then had a close header cleared off the line by Anthony Straker before the visitors were also reduced to 10 men in the 86th minute of the match when Bowman was dismissed for a late lunge on John White.

Blues made the most of the striker’s dismissal by securing a late winner when Prosser rose high to head home Coker’s right wing free-kick to spark some wild celebrations at the final whistle.