Southend United 0 Bristol Rovers 1

Last updated : 20 December 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Southend United's spot-kick torment continued when they missed two penalties as they slumped to a 1-0 home defeat against ten man Bristol Rovers.

Mark Gower and Drewe Broughton failed to convert from 12 yards as Rovers, who had Christian Edwards sent off with seven minutes remaining, held on for a vital three points.

Dave Savage scored the only goal of the game after 16 minutes and Rovers manager Ray Graydon was delighted with the result.

He said: "With the two penalties and the chances for both sides it could have ended up a cricket score but we are due a bit of luck.

"How it finished 1-0 is difficult to believe but we will take the three points.

"You never expect penalties to be missed, but it was not going to be their day today." Rovers, led by captain Adam Barrett, defended superbly after Savage tapped the ball home from eight yards following good work by Wayne Carlisle and Lewis Haldane.

United gained their first spot kick in the 24th minute when Savage clumsily fouled Tes Bramble but Gower's dreadful penalty was easily saved by Kevin Miller.

Southend had another chance from the spot on 83 minutes after Edwards handled in the box.

The Welsh defender was sent off but substitute Broughton then put his penalty wide and Southend have now missed seven out of ten penalties this season.

Southend captain Kevin Maher said: "The number of chances we had were unbelievable but Bristol Rovers put their bodies on the line and it has not been our day." Southend battled well and will be pleased with their performance but unless they find more of a cutting edge up front they will remain in relegation trouble for the rest of the campaign.

Bristol Rovers who secured only their second win in 11 games will be delighted to take the three points after having to defend so well.