BARRY Corr’s ninth goal in 11 games secured Southend United a nervy 1-0 win against Tranmere Rovers at Roots Hall this afternoon.

The in form Irishman bagged the decisive goal seven minutes before the break.

And, with Shrimpers goalkeeper Daniel Bentley equalling a club record with a 10th home clean sheet in a row, Phil Brown’s side held on to record all three points.

Bentley was called into quite early on when Tranmere wasted a golden chance to score as an offside looking Kayode Odejayi found himself clean through on goal.

But the striker could only fire a tame shot straight at Bentley.

However, after that opportunity there was a real lack of clear cut chances before the visitors forced Bentley into action again in the 37th minute when the young shot stopper tipped a low, 20 yard effort from Danny Holmes wide of the right post.

The save immediately increased in significance too as the Shrimpers took the lead just seconds later, with Corr on target for the ninth time in 11 games.

The Irishman was picked out by Will Atkinson’s low right wing corner and did well to fire a first time finish in to the right hand side of the North Bank net.

After the interval, Corr’s strike partner Jake Cassidy saw a well struck 20 yard shot tipped over the crossbar by visiting goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams before Atkinson’s header from Michael Timlin’s deep left wing cross was blocked in front of goal by Tranmere defender Josh Thompson.

Moments later, Adam Barrett headed a right wing corner wide of the left post before Blues had strong shouts for a penalty turned down in the 57th minute when Atkinson appeared to be brought down by Michael Ihiekwe.

However, referee Graham Horwood opted to wave play on before Tranmere began to fight back in search of an equaliser.

Blues defended strongly but still opted to make their first change of the game in the 69th minute with Joe Pigott replacing Corr in attack.

Three minutes later, David Worrall came on for Stephen McLaughlin on the left flank and the Shrimpers dug deep to secure a third win in succession.