IN-FORM Sam Dalby fired Southend United to a 1-0 win against play-off pushing Grimsby Town at Roots Hall last night.

Dalby scored from the penalty spot as he hit the back of the net for the third game running.

And the forward’s latest effort was enough to ensure all three points for Kevin Maher’s side who have now not been beaten in their last 13 league games.

The original clash between the two teams was postponed last last month due to damage caused by the stadium by strong winds.

But the rearranged encounter was slow to get going.

The Mariners’ Harry Clifton sent an early long range effort straight at Blues goalkeeper Steve Arnold before the Shrimpers replied with midfielder Harrison Neal seeing his own 25 yard shot tipped over by visiting custodian Max Crocombe.

Neal then curled another shot wide of the left post from just outside the penalty area before Blues wasted a clearer chance to score in the 29th minute, with the recalled Callum Powell going close.

Powell – who replaced the injured Matt Dennis in attack – battled his way past Luke Waterfall before seeing a low shot blocked by the legs of the onrushing Crocombe.

At the start of the second half, Grimsby threatened first with John McAtee sending a low 20 yard shot wide of the left post.

Moments later, McAtee saw another long range effort smothered by Arnold before the Blues goalkeeper easily held a looping header from Luke Waterfall.

But, after surviving the slight scares, the Shrimpers responded to take the lead in the 62nd minute, with Dalby again on target from the penalty spot.

Referee Daniel Lamport pointed to the spot after Powell had been brought down in the box by Grimsby defender Michael Efete.

And Dalby, who also scored from the spot at Chesterfield on Saturday, made no mistake from 12 yards as he fired his effort into the bottom left hand corner with Crocombe diving in the opposite direction.

Powell soon made way for Jack Bridge as the Shrimpers made their first change of the night in the 72nd minute.

But Grimsby, who came into the game top of the form guide with five wins in their last six games, attempted to push for an equaliser with Tristan Abrahams firing wide of the right post from a narrow angle.

The visitors also made a double change with Emmanuel Dieseruvwe and Scott Burgess entering the action but Blues remained solid at the break.

The Shrimpers also continued to threaten with Bridge posing problems.

Bridge first set up Noor Husin who delayed shooting when well placed before the substitute charged forward and sent a well struck long range effort crashing against the crossbar.

But a second goal was not needed for the Shrimpers who remain 12th in the National League table.

Southend United: Arnold, Lopata, Hobson, Kensdale, Demetriou, Atkinson, Neal, Husin, Ralph, Dalby, Powell (Bridge 74) Subs: Dunne, Clifford, Wood & Davies Attendance: 7,205 (with 340 supporting Grimsby Town).