SOUTHEND United were forced to settle for their third League One draw in succession after being held to a goalless stalemate by 10 man Rochdale at Roots Hall this afternoon.

Dale had skipper Ian Henderson red carded in the 50th minute for a late foul on Stephen Hendrie.

But the Shrimpers – who missed a first half penalty when Simon Cox was denied by Brendan Moore – were unable to make a late breakthrough despite the return of Nile Ranger.

Rochdale came close to taking an early lead when Jordan Williams saw a well struck left footed shot palmed onto the left post by Blues goalkeeper Mark Oxley.

However, with the Shrimpers sitting deep to protect their makeshift back four, not much else happened until the stroke of half-time when referee Tom Robinson pointed to the spot after Joseph Rafferty was adjudged to have fouled Ryan Leonard as he attempted to reach Michael Kightly’s left wing corner.

However, Blues striker Cox was unable to make the most of the opportunity as his low spot-kick was well saved down to his right hand side by Dale goalkeeper Brendan Moore.

After the break, Cox sent a snap shot wide of the left post from 20 yards before Dale were reduced to 10 men in the 50th minute, with Henderson receiving his marching orders.

The former Colchester United winger caught Stephen Hendrie with a late challenge and was red carded by referee Robinson after he had consulted with his assistant.

Immediately after the dismissal, Blues boss Phil Brown introduced Ranger for his first appearance since being released from prison last month.

Ranger replaced Marc-Antoine Fortune in attack before Dru Yearwood also entered the action, replacing the injured Hendrie in a switch which saw Michael Timlin revert to left-back.

With 70 minutes on the clock came the Shrimpers’ third change as Theo Robinson replaced Stephen McLaughlin but Blues rarely threatened late on as the game again ended all square.