STEPHEN McLaughlin’s first half leveller secured Southend United a 1-1 draw with struggling Shrewsbury Town at Roots Hall this afternoon.

The bottom of the table Shrews – who had manager Paul Hurst in charge for the first time – went in front with Adam El-Abd breaking the deadlock in stunning style.

But McLaughlin’s fifth goal of the season ensured a share of the spoils for the Shrimpers.

The first half was certainly more entertaining than second and, with 13 minutes on the clock, Jason Demetriou’s long range shot was fumbled by Shrewsbury goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler who recovered just in time to beat Simon Cox to the resulting rebound.

Moments later, the Shrimpers were screaming for a penalty when the recalled Marc-Antoine Fortune went to ground while under pressure from Adam El-Abd.

But referee Christopher Sarginson opted to wave play on, much to the frustration of Blues boss Phil Brown and his players.

El-Abd then took centre stage again in the 26th minute as he fired the Shrews in front with a stunning long range strike.

The experienced defender chested the ball down 30 yards from goal and sent a superb half volleyed effort high into the top left hand corner of the net.

The Shrews then came close to doubling their lead when Ivan Toney smashed a 20 yard shot against the left post but, after surviving the scare, the home-side hit back to equalise in the 39th minute with McLaughlin on target.

The winger was picked out by a superb through ball from Simon Cox and netted with a low, left footed shot which flew underneath the body of Leutwiler.

The second half was slow to get going before Blues boss Phil Brown attempted to liven up his side by bringing Jermaine McGlashan on in place of Will Atkinson in the 64th minute.

Luke O’Neill then also replaced McLaughlin 10 minutes from time and created a decent late chance for Fortune but his header went wide of the left post to ensure the game ended all square.