SOUTHEND United’s FA Trophy run was ended by York City at Roots Hall this afternoon.

The Shrimpers had been hoping to work their way through to the quarter final of the competition.

But a second half header from Fraser Kerr and a late volley from Lenell John-Lewis condemned Kevin Maher's side to a 2-0 defeat. 

Blues – who went into the game still waiting for their January wages – made four changes to their starting line-up with the in-form Harry Cardwell and Jack Bridge among those dropping to the bench.

However, the new-look Shrimpers were not at their best.

York were on top early on with Ryan Fallowfield fizzing a dangerous right wing cross across the face of goal before Blues hit back with Cav Miley sending a low free-kick wide of the right post.

But, the visitors soon threatened again with Fallowfield heading a brilliant left wing cross from Mitch Hancox wide of the right post.

Hancox then fired over from long range before the visitors came even closer to taking the lead in the 38th minute when Shrimpers goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu tipped Lenell John-Lewis’ shot onto the top of the crossbar.

And the on-loan Stoke City shot-stopper was immediately called into action as he somehow kept out a close range header from Max Koouogun.

With York remaining on top, Shaqai Forde sent a 12 yard header straight at Nna Noukeu and the visitors threatened first after the break with John-Lewis seeing a looping shot cleared away by a sliding Kacper Lopata who clattered into the post when diverting the ball away.

However, the Minstermen were not to be denied for long and broke the deadlock from the resulting Dan Pybus corner which Fraser Kerr headed into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

The Shrimpers were immediately forced into a change with Jack Bridge replacing the injured Lopata before the hosts registered a rare shot on target with Jake Hyde sending a tame effort straight at York goalkeeper Ryan Whitley.

York replied with Forde firing over from the right hand side of the penalty area before Blues made their second change of the game in the 70th minute with Harry Cardwell replacing Callum Powell in attack.

Hyde then headed a Bridge cross straight at Whitley before the Shrimpers made their third change in the 77th minute with Noor Husin taking the place of Wes Fonguck in midfield.

But Southend still failed to threaten going forward and it was York who soon thought their extended their lead when Hancox tapped home after another good save from Nna Noukeu, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

York wasted an even clearer chance to make it 2-0 when referee Alan Dale pointed to the spot after a foul by Harry Taylor.

However, substitute Manny Duku saw his spot-kick impressively saved by Nna Noukeu down to his right-hand side.

The let off was only temporarily for the Shrimpers though as York made it 2-0 in the 88th minute with John-Lewis converting from close range.