Six without a win for Southend United

Southend United's winless run was extended to six matches tonight as former striker Matt Harrold netted against them to earn Bristol Rovers a 1-1 draw at Roots Hall.

Phil Brown's promotion hopefuls won their first three games of the season, but now find themselves in the bottom half of League Two after going over a month without victory.

After a deadlocked first period, Harrold, who spent two unsuccessful years at the Shrimpers between 2006 and 2008, headed Rovers into the lead when he met Michael Smith's cross on 50 minutes.

Southend equalised midway through the second half, when Kevan Hurst collected a pass from John Smith before turning and bending a 22-yard shot beyond experienced stopper Steve Mildenhall.

The Bristol keeper was on hand to keep his side level in the latter stages, tipping over the crossbar from another Hurst effort, while Ryan Leonard also came close to snatching United maximum points with a long-range strike.

Rovers are also struggling for form and, with this result, are now four matches without a win themselves.