SOUTHEND United substitute Matt Dennis fired Southend United to a dramatic 2-1 win against Dorking Wanderers this afternoon.

The on loan Norwich City youngster curled home a brilliant 25 yard shot to secure victory for the Shrimpers in the third round of the FA Trophy at Roots Hall after Sam Dalby had earlier cancelled out an opener from Alfie Rutherford.

However, both sides also failed to score from the penalty spot with Blues’ Rhys Murphy firing over in the first half and Billy-Joe Taylor seeing his effort superbly saved by debutant Shrimpers goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi.

The shot-stopper replaced the injured Steve Arnold between the sticks and could do nothing to prevent Dorking taking a fourth minute lead as Rutherford cut in from the left hand side and fired home a powerful low shot from eight yards.

The visitors remained on top with Matt Briggs firing over following a powerful run forward and James McShane seeing a low, left footed shot impressively tipped wide of the right post by Blues goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi.

After surviving the scares, the Shrimpers wasted a golden opportunity to draw back level in the 31st minute when James Dunne was brought down in the box by Luke Moore and referee Robert Massey-Ellis pointed to the spot.

However, Blues’ striker Murphy was unable to make the most of the opportunity as he sent a poor effort over the crossbar from 12 yards.

Dorking almost immediately made the most of the let off with Briggs seeing a close range effort cleared off the line by Shaun Hobson.

But the Shrimpers hit back to equalise in the 41st minute with Dalby on target for the sixth time this season.

The striker reacted sharply after Dorking goalkeeper Daniel Lincoln had parried out an effort from Murphy and swept home a well-taken, left footed shot.

Dalby then saw a well-taken header from Tom Clifford’s cross ruled out for offside in the closing action of the first half.

Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher made his first change of the afternoon at the break with Louis Walsh replacing Louis Gard and the hosts initially started the second period on top.

But, with 55 minutes on the clock, the visitors wasted a golden chance to regain the lead as Josh Taylor was brought down in the box by Hobson.

However, just like Murphy, Billy-Joe Taylor was unable to convert from 12 yards as his low shot was brilliant saved down to his left hand side by Andeng Ndi.

The Shrimpers responded by making their second change in the 66th minute with Dennis taking the place of Murphy in attack.

And the on loan Norwich City youngster soon made a impression as, with 74 minutes on the clock, he curled a brilliant 25 yard shot into the top right hand corner of the net.

In reply, Briggs saw a low, left footed shot held by Andeng Ndi before Taylor fired inches wide right at the death as Blues held on to triumph in their first ever FA Trophy fixture.