SOUTHEND United were held to their second 1-1 draw in quick succession as Wes Thomas’ first half equaliser secured Oxford United a share of the spoils at Roots Hall this afternoon.

Simon Cox fired the Shrimpers in front after just 19 minutes but Thomas’ effort just three minutes meant the game ended all square.

Blues – who also drew 1-1 with MK Dons on Tuesday - close to taking an early lead when Michael Kightly worked his way past two or three Oxford defenders before seeing his goalbound shot blocked by his own team-mate Cox.

But, Blues were not to be denied for long and they broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, with Cox bagging the 99th League goal of his career.

The Shrimpers striker was picked out by an excellent left wing cross from Stephen McLaughlin and netted with a simple finish from close range.

However, Southend’s lead was not to last long as Oxford drew back just three minutes later when Thomas latched onto Ricardinho’s long ball forward and brushed aside a weak challenge from Anton Ferdinand before firing past Blues goalkeeper Mark Oxley.

Blues came close to regaining the lead in the 41st minute when Josh Wright sent a 20 yard volley against the top of the crossbar before the visitors were also denied by the woodwork on the stroke of half-time as Josh Ruffels saw his effort from the edge of the penalty area bounce back off the bar.

After the break, former Blues midfielder Jack Payne saw a goalbound effort blocked by Jason Demetriou before Thomas fired wide of the right post following a well-time Michael Turner challenge on Henry.

Turner soon popped up at the other end of the pitch only for his close range effort to be ruled out offside but Oxford were soon back on top with Henry curling a low, 20 yard shot inches wide of the left post.

Blues boss Phil Brown responded by making a double change in the 69th minute which saw Nile Ranger and Jermaine McGlashan enter the action in place of Marc-Antoine Fortune and Kightly.

And, just seconds after the substitutions, the Shrimpers wasted a golden chance to take the lead as Wright scuffed a left footed shot wide of the right post from inside the six yard box.

Moments later, the Shrimpers were denied by the assistant referee’s flag for the second time when Ranger headed home a right wing cross from McGlashan.

Turner then volleyed McLaughlin’s left wing corner straight at Eastwood before the visiting custodian smothered a long range shot from Timlin in stoppage time as Blues were unable to conjure up a late winner