Steve Howard's first half header brought Southend United's recent revival to an end at Roots Hall on Saturday.

The powerful front-man nodded home from close range to push his side to the top of the Championship standings, while also handing the Shrimpers their first defeat in seven games.

The reverse leaves the home-side six points from safety at the foot of the table, but it could and probably should have been a different story as Steve Tilson's side piled on the pressure after the break and were unfortunate not to draw back level.