CALLUM Powell had a first half penalty saved as Southend United were held to a 0-0 draw at Halifax Town tonight.
The Shrimpers striker saw his 12 yard shot diverted wide of the target by Shaymen goalkeeper Sam Johnson.
But the hosts were on top after the break and Blues had to dig deep to secure the first goalless draw of Kevin Maher’s regime.
Southend threatened early on with Cav Miley firing wide of the left post from long range before the visitors wasted a golden chance to break the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Nathan Ralph was brought down in the box Sam Minihan.
However, Powell was unable to make the most of the opportunity from 12 yards as his poor effort was pushed wide of the left post by Johnson.
The relieved hosts immediately hit back with Harvey Gilmour unable to make contact with the ball when well placed in front of goal but, with play switching back to the other end of the field, Dan Mooney saw a 20 yard shot gathered by Johnson at the second attempt.
Mooney replaced the injured Noor Husin in the starting line-up while Louis Lomas came in for Tom Clifford in the only other change made by Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher.
But Blues survived a huge scare on the half hour mark when a mistake from goalkeeper Steve Arnold sent Mani Dieseruvwe clean through on goal, only for the Halifax striker to see his effort blocked by the legs of Shrimpers shot-stopper.
Blues replied with Mooney having a 20 yard shot smothered by Johnson before the half ended with Jordan Slew firing over from the edge of the penalty area following a mistake from Ollie Kensdale.
The hosts also started the second period on top with Slew having another goalbound effort blocked by Kensdale before Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher responded by making a change in the 54th minute as Oli Coker took the place of Wes Fonguck in midfield.
However, Halifax continued to threaten with Slew having a swerving shot diverted behind by Arnold before the Shrimpers made a second change in the 72nd minute with Jack Bridge taking the place of Mooney.
Bridge soon went down in the box following a challenge from Tom Clarke but referee Elliott Swallow opted to wave play on.
Once the appeals died down, the game petered to its conclusion as Blues picked up their first 0-0 draw since being held at Wealdstone last August.
The share of the spoils also leaves the Shrimpers without a win from their opening three fixtures and Maher's side will head into Saturday's home match with Oldham Athletic with two points to their name.
Southend United: Arnold, Crowhurst, Hobson, Kensdale, Lomas, Ralph, Miley, Fonguck (Coker 54), Mooney (Bridge 72), Wreh, Powell (Wood 90).
Subs not used : Andeng Ndi & Sandat
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