Southend United held Stevenage to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the League Two playoff semi-final at Lamex Stadium on Sunday to set up an even second meeting at Roots Hall.
An early chance fell the way of Charlie Lee for Stevenage, but his effort was tame and easily held by Southend keeper Daniel Bentley.
Dean Parrett went close just before the break when he rose highest from a cross, but he could only nod the effort just over the bar.
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There were nine minutes of stoppage time tagged on in the first half after Michael Timlin split his head open, and the midfielder required 15 stitches just above his eye.
Parrett gave the home side the lead six minutes into the second period when he drilled a left-footed shot into the top corner.
However, the visitors responded when Barry Corr nodded home at the back post as Stevenage failed to defend a corner.
David Worrall almost secured a winner for Southend in stoppage time, but his volley flashed just past the post as both sides were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.
Paul Gorst
