A STUNNING late strike from Ryan Leonard fired Southend United to a 1-0 win against Bury at Roots Hall this afternoon.

The game appeared to be heading towards a drab goalless draw before Leonard thundered home an impressive long range effort six minutes from time.

And the goal was enough to end Blues’ three match winless streak.

Bury – who are still with without an away win in the league this season - threatened first with Chris Maguire having a 25 yard free-kick tipped over the crossbar by Blues goalkeeper Mark Oxley and, with 26 minutes on the clock, the visitors threatened again when a poor free-kick from Michael Timlin resulted Harry Bunn racing through.

But Shrimpers midfielder Leonard was able to sprint back to divert Bunn’s shot wide of the right post.

In reply, Jason Demetriou soon warmed the hands of Bury goalkeeper Joe Murphy with a well-struck shot from 25 yards but, with play soon switching back to the other end of the field, Oxley was again called into when he rushed off his line to stop Maguire’s attempted lofted effort when the midfielder was clean through on goal.

Moments later, Michael Smith headed wide of the right post when well placed inside the penalty area before Shrimpers striker Simon Cox headed Michael Kightly’s left-wing corner wide of the right post in the opening action of the second half.

However, Bury soon came close to taking the lead when Harry Bunn’s well struck effort was tipped onto the top of the crossbar by Oxley.

Blues boss Phil Brown responded by making his first substitution of the game in the 63rd minute as Nile Ranger replaced Kightly before Stephen McLauughlin also entered the action in place of Marc-Antoine Fortune.

And the new look Shrimpers were able to secure all three points in the 84th minute when Leonard’s 25 yard shot flew into the back of the net via the underside of the crossbar after his initial effort had been blocked.