SOUTHEND United started life in the National League with a 1-0 win at King’s Lynn Town this afternoon.

Shrimpers striker Sam Dalby netted the only goal of the game after just six minutes.

And the summer signing’s early effort was enough for Blues to beat a King’s Lynn side who had Junior Morias sent off seven minutes from time.

The Shrimpers are looking to rebuild after suffering two successive relegations.

But, roared on by incredible away support, Blues bagged what proved to be the only goal of the game after just six minutes, with Dalby on target.

The former Leyton Orient striker reacted sharply after a half cleared right wing cross from Jack Bridge and sent a low, right footed shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net from close range.

The Shrimpers soon came close to doubling their lead with Nathan Ferguson sending a low 20 yard shot wide of the left post before the hosts hit back and had shouts for a penalty waved away following a challenge from Josh Coulson on Gold Omotayo.

Moments later, a firm Tyler Denton header from Ross Barrows’ right wing cross flew inches over the crossbar before Morias fired over from long range.

After surviving the scares, Southend hit back with a sliding Bridge just failing to reach a brilliant right wing cross from Jason Demetriou.

And, after a scrappy start to the second half, Blues wasted a great chance to double their lead when Rhys Murphy sliced a 12 yard volley wide of the right post.

Murphy was soon involved again when he collected a brilliant clearance from goalkeeper Steve Arnold before cutting in off the left flank and seeing his shot well saved by King’s Lynn goalkeeper Paul Jones.

However, the hosts soon came close to scoring themselves when only a brilliant save from Arnold low down to his left kept out a close range header from Omotayo.

Blues replied with Murphy sending a low, left footed shot straight at Jones before Nathan Ferguson saw his 20 yard effort impressively pushed wide of the right post by Jones.

But the Shrimpers failed to score a second goal and King’s Lynn began to work their way into the game.

Pierce Bird’s header landed on the roof of the net before a low angled effort from Omotayo was superbly cleared at the far post by Jason Demetriou.

In a bid to get back on top, Blues boss Phil Brown made a double change in the 80th minute with Matt Dennis and Shaun Hobson replacing Murphy and Bridge.

But three minutes the hosts were reduced to men when Morias was shown a straight red card after stamping on Demetriou.

The Shrimpers soon looked to make the most of their extra man with Dennis seeing his close range shot blocked by Jones.

The King’s Lynn custodian then parried out a well struck shot from Nathan Ralph with Demetriou heading the rebound against the top of the crossbar.

But the missed opportunities almost cost Blues right at the death with Ross Barrows sending a header against the crossbar in the dying seconds of a winning start for the Shrimpers.