But they could not add to the five goals that they had scored at Roots Hall in the first leg, which would have served as a real disappointment for the large crowd attracted to the dead second rubber by a ticket price cut.

The five goals in the first leg remained a distant memory as the Shrimpers plugged away well to restore pride.

Former Villa striker Martin Carruthers forced a tackle from Ian Bennett that referee Steve Lodge believed warranted a yellow card only when a red card could easily have been produced.

Danny Sonner's shot in the second half hit the post, but Leo Roget came closest when forcing a save from Bennett that could have given Southend a real eyebrow-raising result.