A RARE header from Jack Bridge handed Southend United a 1-0 victory against Boreham Wood at Roots Hall tonight.

The Shrimpers midfielder nearly nodded home a deep left wing cross from Jason Demetriou 13 minutes from time.

And the well-taken winner was enough to secure Kevin Maher’s side their third victory in succession.

Blues were on top during the first half, with Harry Cardwell proving himself to be a handful for the visiting rearguard.

The Shrimpers striker sent an early header straight at Boreham Wood goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore before he also saw a 25-yard free-kick gathered by the visiting custodian at the second attempt.

Blues came closer to opening the scoring in the 24th minute when Harrison Neal’s left wing free-kick was headed down by Cardwell into the path of Shaun Hobson who dragged his close range shot wide of the left post.

Moments later, Cardwell sent a well struck 20 yard shot wide of the right post before Boreham Wood hit back with Dennon Lewis seeing a low effort smothered at the near post by Blues goalkeeper Steve Arnold.

In reply, Blues saw penalty shouts – after Bridge had gone to ground in the box– waved away by referee Scott Tallis before Demetriou headed wide at the far post.

Cardwell then fired just wide of the right post from 20 yards before Dunne volleyed over from a similar distance at the start of the second half.

With play switching back to the other end of the pitch, the visitors soon wasted a great chance to take the lead with Tyrone Marsh firing over from 12 yards when well placed in front of goal.

The Shrimpers replied with Dalby sending a powerful effort inches over the South Stand net from long range before a short corner, in the 65th minute, led to Harrison Neal dragging a low shot wide of the left post.

Neal was soon involved again when his long range shot deflected into the path of Bridge who saw his goalbound effort blocked by Jamal Fyfield.

Dalby then curled another long range effort over the crossbar before the visitors replied with Scott Boden seeing a 12 yard shot deflected wide of the left post.

But Blues immediately responded to break the deadlock in the 77th minute when a deep left wing cross from Demetriou picked out Bridge who netted with a well taken header at the far post.

The Shrimpers stayed on top and almost doubled their lead when Cardwell sent a powerful effort clattering against the foot of the right post.

But a second goal was not needed as Blues - who brought on Lewis Gard two minutes from time - deservedly held on to record all three points.

Southend United: Arnold, Davies, Hobson, Kensdale, Gubbins, Demetriou, Dunne, Bridge (Gard 88), Neal, Dalby, Cardwell.

Subs: Andeng Ndi, Powell, Wood & Dennis Attendance: 4, 756 (with 74 from Boreham Wood)