NATHAN Ferguson momentarily lifted the spirits of Southend United’s protesting supporters by netting the only goal of the game against Eastleigh tonight.

The midfielder blasted home midway through the second half to fire the Shrimpers to a 1-0 win at Roots Hall.

But the match – which was watched by just 3, 342 fans – again saw large section of the supporters chanting for chairman Ron Martin to quit the club.

A large ‘Martin out’ was unveiled in the West Stand before kick-off before being confiscated by stewards.

But the action on the field began with Eastleigh threatening first as a dangerous right wing cross from Danny Whitehall fizzed across the face of goal before Blues hit back with the recalled Hamzad Kargbo seeing a close range shot diverted wide of the right post by visiting goalkeeper Joe McDonnell.

Kargbo was one of five changes to the starting line-up with Simeon Akinola the most surprising inclusion having previously been told he was free to find another club.

Akinola had spent most of the season training with the under 23s and initially seemed set to come off early on after taking a whack on his left leg.

But the striker played on despite twice going down with the injury in the opening 15 minutes.

After his second spell of treatment, the visitors came close to taking the lead as a dangerous right wing corner from Tom Whelan was headed over from close range by Joe Low.

Towards the end of the first half came a change of referee as fourth official Christopher Hastings replaced Rob Whitton in charge.

After the break, Eastleigh had shouts for a penalty waved away after Danny Hollands went to ground following a challenge from Blues goalkeeper Steve Arnold but Hastings but Hastings opted against pointing to the spot.

In reply, Shrimpers winger Jack Bridge soon curled a 20 yard shot over the crossbar after cutting in from the left hand side.

Moments later, a low shot from Shaun Hobson flew across the six yard box before Nathan Ralph’s effort was blocked the sliding Josh Hare.

In a bid to improve going forward, Blues boss Phil Brown made a double change on the hour mark with Rhys Murphy and Sam Dalby taking the place of Akinola and Kargbo in attack.

Murphy was soon involved as he dragged low, left footed shot wide of the right post before Eastleigh replied with a change of their own as former Blues loanee replaced Whitehall. But, with 69 minutes on the clock, the Shrimpers took the lead with Ferguson scoring his first goal of the season.

The midfielder collected a half cleared left wing cross from Jack Bridge and slammed a well struck 16 yard shot into the top left hand corner of the net.

With the Shrimpers seeking a second goal, Murphy sent a 25 yard free kick wide of the right post but the hosts hung on to end a run of four successive defeats.