TEN MAN Southend United fought hard to hold Woking to a 0-0 draw at the Laithwaite Community Stadium tonight.

The Shrimpers had the better of the first half but were unable to force a breakthrough when on top.

And, just three minutes into the second half, Kevin Maher’s side's hopes of winning suffered a severe blow as midfielder Cav Miley was sent off after being shown a second yellow card.

However, the hosts were unable to make the most of their extra man as Blues dug deep to secure a share of the spoils.

Early on, Charley Kendall sent an early effort wide of the right post for the Cardinals before Blues wasted a big chance to score in the seventh minute when Bim Pepple charged down an attempted clearance and the ball rolled straight into the path of the recalled Macauley Bonne.

But, with just Woking goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen left to beat, Bonne’s shot lacked conviction and was easily pushed to safety.

Moments later, a stretching Pepple slid Josh Walker’s left wing cross wide of the right post before Oli Coker slammed a long range shot inches wide of the right post.

Coker then curled a free-kick wide of the opposite upright as the first half rather faded out.

But, just three minute after the break, came a huge moment in the match as the Shrimpers were reduced 10 men after Miley was shown a second yellow card.

Having been booked in the 41st minute Miley launched into challenge on Alan Judge and was immediately dismissed by referee Steve Parkinson.

Blues readjusted by bringing Noor Husin on in place of Pepple but it was the hosts who threatened next with Alan Judge having a low, 20 yard shot smothered by Southend goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi.

With Woking looking to make the most of their extra man, Deon Moore then headed Matt Ward’s right wing cross wide of the right post from close range before substitute Jack Stretton saw a swerving 20 yard shot parried to safety by Andeng Ndi.

Blues responded with two changes in the 81st minute as Jack Bridge and Keenan Appiah-Forson entered the action in place of Josh Walker and Oli Coker.

And the visitors were able to see out the closing stages to pick up a point as the two teams played out their second goalless draw in succession.