FOR a few hours at least, Southend United manager Steve Tilson did not have the toughest task at Roots Hall.

Instead, that title was temporarily passed down to the person responsible for having to conjure up highlights from this afternoon's 0-0 draw with Yeovil Town for the club's official website.

Because, quite simply, there were no memorable moments in this disappointing and dull encounter which contained a combined total of just three shots on target.

Both sides struggled going forward and could probably have played all day without scoring.

Yeovil initially looked strong at the start of the game and, with three minutes on the clock, Dean Bowditch headed over a right wing free-kick from Scott Davies.

The former Ipswich Town forward then fired a tame long range shot straight at Blues keeper Steve Mildenhall but, in the 19th minute, Southend hit back with Scott Vernon sending a low 20 yard shot into the grateful gloves of Alex McCarthy.

The game became less eventful after that but was momentarily brought back to life in the 33rd minute when a long throw from Johnny Herd caused problems in the Glovers defence and a sliding Scott Vernon was denied at the back post by Steven Caulker.

On the stroke of half-time Yeovil replied as an acrobatic effort from Gavin Tomlin was easily saved by Mildenhall and, at the start of the second period, the Glovers striker fired over from close range.

Blues boss Steve Tilson responded by making a double change in the 66th minute to try and get his side going in the final third of the pitch.

The fit-again Francis Laurent took Scott Malone's place on the left flank while Matt Paterson came on for Scott Spencer in attack alongside Vernon.

But it was still Yeovil who almost netted next as Terrell Forbes, who has netted just once in 345 league games, volleyed a left wing corner from Craig Alcock inches over the crossbar.

Southend hit back with Pat Baldwin half volleying over another long throw from Herd before Tilson made his third and final change in the 86th minute with young Harry Crawford, who has now recovered from a hamstring strain, coming on for Vernon up front.

Yet it was Yeovil that almost stole all three points at the death as second half substitute Andy Welsh unleashed a low shot which was smartly saved by Mildenhall who then also caught a well struck effort from Tomlin.

The striker then shot just wide from 25 yards but Southend survived to pick up a share of the spoils which leaves them in real danger of relegation and a return to League Two.