KENNY Clark’s first goal in nearly four years handed Southend United a 1-0 win against promotion pushing Halifax Town at Roots Hall this afternoon.

Clark, who is on loan at Blues from Dagenham & Redbridge, fired home the only goal of the game after just 12 minutes.

And the defender’s rare effort was enough for Kevin Maher’s side to make it back to back wins.

Third placed Halifax started the game brightly with Harvey Gilmour seeing an early effort tipped over by Blues goalkeeper Steve Arnold before the hosts hit back to open the scoring, with Clark scoring his first goal for the Shrimpers.

The goal came from a well-worked short corner down the left hand side which resulted in Jack Bridge delivering a low, left wing cross which was tapped home from close range by Clark for his first goal since netting for Ebbsfleet at Maidstone back in 2018.

Blues were forced into a change in the 28th minute with Noor Husin limping off to be replaced by Will Atkinson.

But, shortly after the substitution, the Shrimpers came close to doubling their lead when a curling 20 yard shot from Sam Dalby was pushed wide of the left post by Sam Johnson.

Moments later, a deflected long range effort from Harrison Neal flew inches over the North Bank crossbar in the closing action of the first half.

The Shrimpers were forced into a second change at the break with Ollie Kensdale replacing the injured Clark.

The visitors tried to take advantage and soon had penalty shouts waved away after Kieran Green went down in the box before Blues replied with  Dalby sending a free-kick over the crossbar from 25 yards.

Halifax hit back with Tyrell Warren seeing a long range shot gathered by Blues goalkeeper Steve Arnold at the second attempt.

But, after surviving the scare, the Shrimpers came close to doubling their lead when Dalby headed against the crossbar from close range.

The striker also appeared to be pushed in the back when attempting to reach the resulting rebound but referee Robert Massey-Ellis opted to wave play on.

Thirteen minutes from time, the Shrimpers were forced into making another change as Bridge limped off and was replaced by James Dunne in the centre of the park.

But the patched up Blues saw out the remainder of the match to pick up all three points with Arnold doing well to tip a late Billy Waters shot wide of the right post.