Southend held to stalemate

Neither side managed to register a single shot on target during a dismal first half but Shrimpers winger Kevan Hurst did go close with an early effort which curled just wide of the right post from 20 yards.

At the start of the second half, fit again Southend left-back Ben Coker had a 25 yard free-kick pushed to safety by Burton goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.

In reply, Brewers striker Stuart Beavon shot straight at Southend goalkeeper Daniel Bentley following an error from the shaky looking Cian Bolger.

Beavon then had another effort, from a well worked corner, smothered by Bentley before his opposite number McLaughlin tipped over Barry Corr's header from a Hurst free-kick.

The draw meant Burton, who beat Southend in the play-offs last season, stayed in second in Sky Bet League Two and missed out on the chance of taking over at the top.