SOUTHEND United were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Northampton Town this afternoon after Lawson D’Ath’s well taken header secured a share of the spoils for the Cobblers.

The Shrimpers had seemed set for another win away from home when the recalled Shaq Coulthirst prodded them in front at the start of the second half.

But D’Ath’s 72nd minute header meant the match ended all square, despite Blues having defender Luke Prosser sent off deep in to stoppage time.

Both sides had previously pushed forward during an even first half andNorthampton came close to opening the scoring after just 10 minutes when Joel Byrom’s right wing free-kick was headed against the crossbar by former Southend defender Ryan Cresswell.

Blues hit back with Michael Timlin sending a tame effort straight at Cobblers keeper Matt Duke from the edge of the penalty area.

But the home-side were soon back on top with Ricky Holmes having a swerving long range shot parried to safety by Blues’ goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

However, after surviving the scares, Southend soon replied and came agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the 35th minute when Ben Coker curled a 20 yard free-kick against the top of the right post before Coulthirst’s follow up header also struck the inside of the same upright before being scrambled off the goal-line by Lee Collins.

Northampton replied with former Blues midfielder John-Joe O’Toole shooting straight at Bentley from long range.

But, two minutes after the break, the Shrimpers made the breakthrough following an error from Cobblers’ goalkeeper Duke.

The experienced shot-stopper spilt a well struck left wing cross from Timlin and Coulthirst’s follow up effort from close range was adjudged to have crossed the goal-line.

With Blues continuing to push forward, Coulthirst soon went close with another effort with fizzed just past the left post before Jack Payne also shot wide of the target from 16 yards.

But Southend were unable to find a second goal and that was to prove costly in the 72nd minute when Northampton drew back level as Marc Richards’ left wing cross was headed in to the bottom right hand corner of the net by Lawson D’Ath.

Blues replied with David Worrall replacing Timlin and Jason Williams coming on for Coulthirst but the new look attack was unable to conjure up a late winner.

And, deep in to added on time, Southend were reduced to 10 men when Prosser was dismissed for a second bookable offence when he handled the ball.

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