Gary Ablett sprung a surprise by naming Lloyd Rigby in goal in preference to Owain Fon Williams. Rigby, who played in the JPT victory at Crewe earlier in the season, has been on a season-long loan at Radcliffe Borough which ended last weekend.

Paul Huntington, who missed last Saturday's game against Huddersfield Town through illness returned to partner Danny Swailes at the back. Youth team skipper Sam Barnes was the player who made way.

David Poole, after scoring four times against Oldham on Monday night, was recalled in place of George Donnelly.

James Vincent also started, taking the place of Jemal Johnson who missed the game through illness.

County crashed to a hugely controversial goal in the final minute at Roots Hall. Vincent's clearance cannoned off Anthony Grant for a Hatters' throw but, inexplicably the officials gave it the other way. Southend broke immediately and Matt Patterson crossed to Alan McCormack who headed the winner.

It was rough justice for a County side that dominated most of the second half and deservedly took the lead on 71 minutes when Jabo Ibehre headed home Danny Pilkington's well-struck free kick from the right.

The lead only lasted four minutes, though. Johnny Herd got the better of Vincent and crossed from the right. Swailes at full stretch couldn't turn the ball behind allowing Harry Crawford to nudge the ball past Rigby.

Even after the controversial goal County had a glorious change to equalise in the final minute of added time; Ibehere played in George Donnelly but the substitute pulled his shot wide.

The Shrimpers started the game really well and had the ball in the net after just four minutes but McCormack was ruled off side.

And the same player should have scored on 16 when he smashed a volley wide when well placed.

The Hatters slowly worked themselves into the game and missed a good chance just before half time when Vincent shot weekly at Mildenhall after good work from Mat Sadler set up the chance at the edge of the box.

The second period was much better from a County perspective, though, and they almost scored a minute in when Pilkington set up Poole who volleyed wide from right in front of goal.

When it came Ibehre's goal was no more than County deserved and they looked set to go on and win the game which would have been a just reward for the magnificent Blue & White Army who went through their full repertoire of songs in giving the Hatters incredible vocal support.