SOUTHEND United started their exciting new era with a 1-1 draw against York City at Roots Hall this afternoon.

An early header from Gus Scott-Morriss put the Shrimpers ahead in the first game since the consortium headed up by Justin Rees officially gained control of the club.

But an equaliser from Minstermen substitute Lenell John-Lewis meant Blues had to settle for a share of the spoils in front of a crowd of close of 8,000 fans.

York started brightly with Billy Chadwick delivering a dangerous right wing cross Dipo Akinyemi just failed to convert at the far post.

But Blues fought back and broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, with Scott-Morriss on target.

The energetic right wing-back was picked out by a brilliant right wing free-kick from Oli Coker and netted with a firm header from close range However, Scott-Morriss was soon involved at the other end of the field as his error allowed Akinyemi to dart into the left hand side of the penalty area – only for his cross to be cleared by a well-positioned Ollie Kensdale.

Moments later, Akinyemi headed over at the back post before Alex Hunt send a low 25 yard shot straight at Blues shot-stopper Collin Andeng Ndi in the opening action of the second half.

The Shrimpers responded with their first change of the game in the 55th minute as James Morton replaced Joe Gubbins.

The substitution saw Nathan Ralph revert to left sided centre-back and Jack Bridge left wing-back having started the afternoon in a more central midfield role.

After changing roles, Bridge fired wide of the left post from 20 yards before York replied with Ollie Pearce seeing a dangerous left wing cross palmed clear by Andeng Ndi.

In reply, Morton soon sent a long range shot straight at York keeper Harrison Male before Blues made a second change in the 79th minute with Danny Waldron replacing Coker.

The substitution saw Walker drop into a deeper role but it was the visitors who threatened next with Lenell John-Lewis just failing to reach a dangerous left wing cross from Tyrese Sinclar.

The Minstermen continued to enjoy more of the ball and came close to equalising in the 85th minute when a close range shot from Cameron John was somehow pushed over the crossbar by Andeng Ndi.

However, the left off was only temporary for Blues as from the resulting left wing corner John-Lewis headed home from close range via the inside of the right post.

The Shrimpers immediately made another change with Jack Wood replacing Walker before Adam Crowther took the place of Jack Bridge late on.

But neither side were able to force a late breakthrough.