SOUTHEND United twice surrendered the lead in a 2-2 draw against Altrincham at Roots Hall this afternoon.

Goals from Jack Bridge and Chris Wreh twice put Blues in front.

But a calamitous mix up between Kacper Lopata and Blondy Nna Noukeu gifted the visitors an equaliser just before the hour mark.

And the Shrimpers ultimately had to dig in to secure a share of the spoils.

Altrincham threatened first with Ryan Colclough firing wide of the right post early on before Blues came close to breaking the deadlock after just seven minutes when the recalled Wreh sent a low shot against the outside of the right post.

Moments later, Wes Fonguck battled his way through before seeing a low shot saved by Altrincham goalkeeper Ollie Byrne but, with play switching back to the other end of the field, Connor Jennings then saw a low shot blocked at the near post by Blues goalkeeper Nna Noukeu.

The Shrimpers replied with Nathan Ralph nodding a left wing cross from Bridge wide of the right post before the hosts went in front in the 27th minute, with Bridge on target for the fourth time this season.

However, the visitors regrouped well and drew back level just eight minutes later when a mistake from Dan Mooney started a counter-attack which resulted in Elliot Newby slamming a shot against the underside of the crossbar and Ryan Colclough drilling home the rebound.

But Blues went back in front right on the stroke of half-time when Shaun Hobson saw a low shot parried out by Byrne, enabling Wreh to tap the ball home from close range.

At the start of the second half, Shrimpers midfielder Wes Fonguck saw an 18 yard half volley smothered by Byrne but, with 58 minutes on the clock, the visitors were completely gifted their second equaliser of the afternoon.

There appeared to be little danger when a pass went over the top of Southend’s defence but Kacper Lopata and Nna Noukeu both left the ball to each other, which allowed Newby to dart in and tap the ball into an unguarded goal.

The manner of the goal rattled Blues and the visitors remained on top with Colclough firing a low 20 yard free-kick straight at Nna Noukeu.

The lively winger then saw another low shot well saved by Nna Noukeu before the Shrimpers made their first change of the afternoon in the 84th minute with Aaron Cosgrave replacing Mooney who had to be helped back to the dug out via a stretcher.

Blues rarely threatened late on but Nathan Ralph did send a half volleyed effort over the crossbar late on.