SOUTHEND United were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against promotion rivals Wycombe Wanderers at Roots Hall this afternoon as the Chairboys twice fought back to secure a share of the spoils.

Barry Corr appeared to have secured all three points for the Shrimpers with a well taken brace.

But Alfie Mawson’s 85th minute header ensured the game ended all square.

That made it a frustrating afternoon for Phil Brown’s side who opened the scoring after just 14 minutes, with Corr on target for the fourth time in five games.

The Irishman reacted sharply after Joe Pigott had been denied by Wycombe goalkeeper Matt Ingram and headed home via the underside of the crossbar from eight yards.

Blues remained on top after taking the lead but were unable to find a second goal as Wycombe defended well to stay in the game.

The promotion pushing Chairboys then hit back to equalise with a fortuitous strike in the 28th minute.

The move began with Sido Jombati easing his way past Kevan Hurst down the right flank before the full-back delivered a deep cross which was met by Sam Wood.

The winger scuffed his effort in to the ground before it bounced up, struck Steven Craig and looped in to the top right hand corner of the net.

At the start of the second half, Blues attempted to regain the lead with Pigott turning well before seeing a low shot smothered by Ingram.

However, the on loan Charlton Athletic striker soon wasted a far clearer chance to score when Hurst’s through ball sent him clean through on goal.

But Pigott never looked comfortable in possession of the ball and slipped when attempting to round the advancing Ingram who gleefully grabbed hold of the ball.

Blues were not to be denied for long and regained the lead on the hour mark, with Corr again on target.

The Irishman was perfectly picked out by Ryan Leonard’s low ball in to the box from the left hand side and slid a well taken effort in to the back of the net from close range.

With the Shrimpers staying on top, Hurst’s close range header from David Worrall’s right wing cross was blocked in front of goal by Jombati before Adam Thompson headed Ben Coker’s left wing cross wide of the right post.

Sandwiched in-between the opportunities, Blues made their first change of the game with Myles Weston replacing Pigott in attack.

And Weston almost made an immediate impression, firing an angled left footed shot inches wide of the right post after good approach play from Hurst.

Moments later, Worrall went down in the box while under pressure from Aaron Pierre but referee Tim Robinson opted to wave play on.

That, along with the wasted opportunities, was to prove costly five minutes from time when Mawson headed home a right wing cross from substitute Hogan Ephraim in to the back of the net from close range.