RELEGATION threatened Southend United continued their shot-shy form with a 0-0 draw against Stevenage at Roots Hall this afternoon.

The second from bottom Shrimpers have now failed to score in their last five games and remain two points behind 22nd placed Barrow having played three more games than their rivals.

Blues have now also failed to hit the back of the net in seven of their last eight games.

But the Shrimpers wasted a great chance to open the scoring after just seven minutes when a brilliant left wing cross from Reeco Hackett-Fairchild found an unmarked Simeon Akinola at the far post, only for the striker to volley over from six yards.

Moments later, Nathan Ferguson saw a well struck 25 yard free-kick brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Stevenage goalkeeper Jamie Cumming before Akinola saw a close range volley blocked in front of goal by Scott Cuthbert.

In reply, Stevenage striker Elliott List dragged a low effort wide of the left post before Blues hit back with Hackett-Fairchild having his angled shot smothered by Cumming.

After surviving the scare, Stevenage soon hit back with Elliot Osborne sending a deflected 20 yard shot inches wide of the left post.

But with 42 minutes on the clock, the visitors were forced into making a change as skipper Scott Cuthbert limped off and was replaced at the heart of the defence by ex Southend centre-back Luke Prosser.

The second half was less eventful but List did momentarily bring things to life when he cut in off the right flank and dragged a low, left footed shot wide of the right post from 20 yards.

Blues responded by making their first change of the afternoon in the 70th minute as Ricky Holmes replaced Alan McCormack.

However, Stevenage still threatened next with Luke Norris having a low shot blocked by the legs of Blues goalkeeper James Montgomery.

Shrimpers boss Mark Molesley responded by making a double change in the 84th minute as Brandon Goodship took the place of Hackett-Fairchild and Jacob Mellis was brought on for his debut as he replaced Jason Demetriou in midfield.

Mellis created a late half chance for Holmes who volleyed over from a narrow angle but Blues could not make a late breakthrough and seem set to be in the National League next season.