Half-Time Report: Southend United come from behind to level tie

Southend United have overturned the first-leg deficit in their League Two playoff semi-final against Burton Albion to head into half time 2-2 on aggregate at Roots Hall.

Having led 1-0 after their home match last weekend, Burton attacked from the start as they looked to add to their advantage.

Daniel Bentley was called into action just over 10 minutes into the match when Adam McGurk tried to curl the ball in from a free kick just outside the box.

The home side's first chance of the day fell to Barry Corr, who tried to head in from close range from a Will Atkinson cross, but the striker's effort lacked power and was easily saved by Dean Lyness.

The visitors added to their first-leg lead when Marcus Holness scored his first goal of the season with a header from a Chris Hussey ball forward.

Corr had a couple of chances to get Southend back into the tie, but he had another effort saved before firing high of the crossbar.

However, Phil Brown's side managed to pull one back before half time as Ryan Leonard found the back of the net with an overhead kick after Burton failed to clear from a corner.

The home side continued to threaten as half time approached, and were able to get the tie back on level terms when the visiting defenders failed to clear from a Michael Timlin ball into the box, allowing Anthony Straker to pounce with a header.