SOUTHEND United dug deep to secure a 1-1 draw at table-topping Bolton Wanderers this afternoon.

Harry Kyprianou fired the Shrimpers into an early lead before goalkeeper Ted Smith appeared to parry the ball into his own net at the start of the second half.

But Blues – who had manager Phil Brown dismissed from the dug out late on – were able to hang on to pick up a hard working point.

Southend withstood large spells of pressure but went in front after just three minutes, with Kyprianou continuing his fine start in the Shrimpers first team.

The young left-sided defender – who netted on his debut against Brighton on Tuesday - was picked out by a fantastic right wing cross from John White and sent a rising right, footed volley high into the top right hand corner of the net from close range.

Moments later the shell-shocked home-side came close to netting an immediate equaliser when David Wheater’s firm header from Jay Spearing’s left wing corner struck debutant striker Keshi Anderson inside the six yard box before being cleared away in front of goal by Ryan Leonard.

However, after surviving the scare, the Shrimpers were forced into making a change in the 22nd minute when Anton Ferdinand limped off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury and was replaced in defence by Jakub Sokolik.

Shortly after the change, James Henry sent a deflected effort inches wide of the right post before Blues goalkeeper Smith made a stunning save to keep the visitors level just before the break when the youngster somehow kept out Liam Trotter’s close range header.

Bolton remained on top at the start of the second half with Anderson firing wide of the right post before the Trotters equalised in the 48th minute in rather bizarre circumstances.

A high ball into the box led to Smith challenging Anderson in the air and the Shrimpers shot-stopper appeared to parry the ball into his own net.

Bolton continued to push forward after netting the equaliser but, in a bid to ease the pressure, Blues boss Phil Brown made his second change of the afternoon in the 67th minute with Jason Williams replacing Simon Cox in attack.

However the hosts remained in control and almost took the lead in the 79th minute when Henry’s 25 yard free-kick flew just inches over the crossbar.

In reply, Blues soon made a third change with Jermaine McGlashan replacing David Mooney before attention turned the touch-line as Blues boss Brown was ordered from the dug-out after being angered by referee Sebastian Stockbridge’s failure to award Ryan Leonard a free-kick.

After Brown’s dismissal, Andrew Taylor stabbed an effort just wide for the hosts but the Shrimpers defended well to secure a hard fought share of the spoils.