SOUTHEND United breathed life back into their fight for League Two survival with a vital 1-0 victory at Harrogate Town this afternoon.

Ashley Nathaniel-George bagged the only goal of the game midway through the second half.

And the triumph moved the Shrimpers to within three points of Barrow who sit just above the drop zone.

Matchwinner Nathaniel-George saw a curling 20 yard shot pushed wide of the right post by Harrogate goalkeeper James Belshaw early on before the hosts hit back Josh McPake having a powerful effort pushed away by Blues shot-stopper Mark Oxley.

In reply, Emile Acquah curled an 18 yard shot straight at Belshaw before Harrogate replied with Aaron Martin having a close range effort from George Thomson’s right wing free-kick ruled out for offside.

Harrogate then came even closer to taking the lead when McPake worked his way through on goal only to see his shot blocked by the legs of Oxley who then also reacted sharply to gather the subsequent rebound.

After surviving the scare, Southend replied with the recalled James Olayinka seeing his left wing cross diverted just wide of his own right post by Harrogate goalkeeper Josh Falkingham.

Falkingham then threatened at the other end as he headed Simon Power’s right wing cross over the crossbar at the near post before the half ended on a sour note for Blues with skipper John White having to go off with what looked like another serious arm injury.

Tyler Cordner replaced White at half-time and the Shrimpers soon wasted a fine chance to score with Akinola seeing a low shot saved by Belshaw when left completely unmarked in front of goal.

After surviving the scare, Harrogate replied with McPake sending a deflected effort straight at Oxley before play switched back to the other end of the field with Emile Acquah volleying wide of the right post from 12 yards.

Harrogate soon came even closer to breaking the deadlock with substitute Brendan Kiernan volleying against the crossbar from close range.

But, with 69 minutes on the clock, Blues went in front, with Nathaniel-George on target for the second game in succession.

The winger reacted sharply after a low, left footed shot from McCormack had been blocked in front and swept home a well-taken volley from close range.

The Shrimpers immediately made their second change of the afternoon with Ricky Holmes replacing Olayinka out wide before Kyle Taylor came on for McCormack in the centre of the park.

Harrogate pushed for an equaliser with Jack Muldoon sending an excellent effort wide of the right post from 12 yards.

But Blues held on to secure a much needed win.