SOUTHEND United’s play-off hopes suffered a huge blow at Boreham Wood tonight after a tale of two penalties led to the hosts winning 1-0.

Ex Shrimpers loanee Zak Brunt scored his spot-kick 15 minutes from time.

And Blues wasted a golden chance to secure a share of the spoils when Jack Bridge saw his penalty saved by Nathan Ashmore as Kevin Maher’s side slumped to a fourth successive defeat.

The in-form Wood threatened first with Tyrone Marsh having his goalbound effort diverted wide of the right post by Ollie Kensdale before Brunt’s resulting corner was volleyed over by Femi Ilesamni.

The Shrimpers soon hit back and came close to going in front in the 16th minute when Bridge’s left wing cross picked out Harry Cardwell whose header was impressively kept out by Boreham Wood goalkeeper Ashmore.

Gus Scott-Morriss then sent a deflected low shot just wide of the right post before Blues wasted a good chance to break the deadlock when a deflected left wing cross from Bridge found Murphy who sent his diving header over the crossbar from close range.

Moments later, a dangerous left wing cross from Fonguck flew across the face of goal as Blues continued to push for the opening goal of the game.

But Boreham – who boast the best defensive record in the division – stood firm and soon replied with Tyrone Marsh powering an effort wide of the right post from a narrow angle.

Femi Ilesamni then saw a close range volley deflected wide of the left post following a long throw into the box from Chris Bush in the closing action of the first half.

Boreham Wood started the second half strongly with another long throw from Bush hitting both Cardwell and Ollie Kensdale before being brilliantly tipped wide of the right post by Blues goalkeeper Steve Arnold.

And the hosts came even closer to scoring from the resulting Brunt corner which Ilesamni headed against the top of the crossbar from close range.

After surviving the scare, Southend came within a whisker of scoring themselves as a deflected low shot from Cardwell flew just wide of the left post after a flick on from Shaun Hobson.

Good link up play involving Murphy and Cardwell then saw the Shrimpers launch a counter-attack which eventually resulted in Scott-Morriss having a low shot blocked in front of goal before Boreham Wood goalkeeper did well to smother a deflected 25 yard shot from Shaun Hobson.

In a further bid to make a breakthrough, Blues made their first change of the night in the 71st minute as Chris Wreh replaced Murphy in attack.

But, four minutes later, Boreham Wood went in front when Dennon Lewis went to ground inside the area following a challenge from Kensdale.

And, after quite a significant delay, referee Richie Watkins eventually pointed to the spot.

Ex Blues loanee Brunt took responsibility from 12 yards out and powered a well struck effort high into the net.

The Shrimpers responded strongly to the setback and were awarded a penalty of their own in the 78th minute when Chris Wreh’s left wing cross was handled in the box by David Agbontohoma.

But Bridge’s penalty was kept out low down to his right hand side by Ashmore.

Blues soon made a second change with Dan Mooney taking the place of Fonguck before Taylor also replaced the injured Noor Husin. However, the Shrimpers were unable to get back into the game and now sit seven points below the play-off places.

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