SOUTHEND United dug deep to secure a 1-1 draw at Mansfield Town this afternoon.

The Shrimpers, who have now gone four games without defeat, went in front in the first half with James Olayinka on target.

But the Stags dominated the second half and equalised 11 minutes from time with Jordan Bowery on target.

Blues looked bright early on and saw strong shouts for a penalty waved away when Simeon Akinola appeared to be pushed over by Mansfield defender Farrend Rawson.

However, referee Brett Huxtable somehow awarded a free-kick against the Shrimpers striker, much to the bemusement of the visitors.

The relieved home-side soon hit back with Bowery having a header cleared away in front of goal by Timothee Dieng before Blues replied with Alan McCormack dragging a long range effort wide of the right post.

Moments later, Emile Acquah saw a 20 yard shot saved by Stags goalkeeper Marek Stech before play switch back to the other end of the field with Jordan Bowery firing wide of the left post from a narrow angle.

But Blues were soon back on top and broke the deadlock in the 27th minute, courtesy of another excellent effort from Olayinka.

The on loan Arsenal youngster collected the ball on the right hand side of the penalty area before cutting inside and curling a brilliant left footed shot high into the top left hand corner of the net.

However, Blues were immediately indebted to goalkeeper Mark Oxley who pulled off a fine double save to keep the visitors in front.

Oxley parried away a long range effort from George Lapslie before recovering well to also smother Harry Charsley’s follow up effort.

But, with 36 minutes on the clock, Blues were forced into making a change as left-back Tom Clifford went off injured and was replaced by Sam Hart.

Mansfield made a substitution of their own at half-time with Andy Cook replacing George Maris before the hosts made a second change in the 53rd minute with ex Shrimpers winger Stephen McLaughlin replacing Jamie Reid.

And, three minutes later, the Stags came close to levelling as McLaughlin’s left wing cross was headed towards goal by Bowery before Shaun Hobson volleyed onto the crossbar as the Shrimpers somehow survived.

Blues boss Mark Molesley then opted to make a second change in the 58th minute with Michael Klass replacing Olayinka in the centre of the park.

A further three changes followed in the 68th minute with Richard Taylor replacing an injured McCormack, Greg Halford coming on for Akinola and Rob Howard taking the place of Emile Acquah for his first team debut.

But Mansfield continued to put the pressure on and wasted a huge chance to equalise in the 77th minute with Lapslie somehow firing wide of the right post from 12 yards.

Blues were not let off for long though as just two minutes later the Stags drew back level with Bowery netting with a low, well struck shot from the edge of the penalty area.

The home-side remained on top and soon almost went in front with captain Ollie Clarke firing just wide of the right post from 25 yards.

But the Shrimpers hung on to pick up a point which is not enough to see them work their way off the bottom of the League Two table.