SOUTHEND United started life under new manager Chris Powell with a dramatic 3-2 win against Scunthorpe United at Roots Hall this afternoon.

A far more spirited Shrimpers side seemed to be heading for a share of the spoils until Michael Turner netted an injury time winner to secure an exciting victory.

Blues were forced to work hard for the win and it was Scunthorpe who opened the scoring in the 12th minute when a right wing cross from Kevin van Veen was poorly defended at the far post by Jason Demetriou, enabling Tom Hopper to nip in and head home from close range via the inside of the left post.

The Shrimpers soon replied with Simon Cox headed a left wing cross from Michael Kightly inches wide of the right post before Marc-Antoine Fortune’s effort from a dangerous Kightly corner was well saved by Watson.

Moments later, Stephen McLaughlin sent a 25 yard shot straight at Watson before the Irishman saw an effort from a similar distance well saved by Watson who recovered well to also deny Kightly from the subsequent rebound.

However, Kightly was not to be denied for long and in the 37th minute he levelled the scores with what appeared to be a fortuitous effort.

The winger cut in from the left hand side and delivered a deep cross which sailed over the head of Watson before hitting the back of the net via the inside of the right post.

Things then got enough better for Blues in the 53rd minute when Charlie Goode brought down Cox inches outside the penalty area.

And McLaughlin made the most of the opportunity as he thundered a low free-kick into the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season.

However, the Shrimpers were in front for just three minutes when failure to clear a right wing corner resulted in van Veen sending a close range shot into the top right hand corner of the net.

Southend immediately replied with Cox having a swerving long range shot tipped wide of the right post by Watson who then also pushed a 20 yard effort from Kightly wide of the target.

Moments later and, with Blues still pushing to regain the lead, the Shrimpers had strong penalty shouts waved away by referee Craig Hicks when Fortune appeared to be pulled back inside the area.

In a bid to make the breakthrough, Powell made his first change in the 83rd minute with Theo Robinson replacing Fortune in attack.

However, it was Scunthorpe who threatened next with Charlie Goode having a looping header nodded off the line by McLaughlin.

Seconds later and, with the game deep into stoppage time, Cameron Burgess was dismissed after being shown a second yellow card for a foul on Kightly.

And Blues were immediately able to take advantage as the resulting free-kick from McLaughlin was parried out by Watson enabling Turner to slide the ball home from a narrow angle to secure a vital victory.