Yeovil Town returned West last night with the satisfaction of a hard earned point in a match that took off as a contest in the second half.

Manager Russell Slade was again forced into changes after Charlton Athletic recalled James Walker from his loan period following a substantial bid for a permanent move.

But on the plus side Terry Skiverton returned following his three match ban as did Matty Rose from his one match ban and Marc Bircham was given his first start since his s ummer arrival.

In a pretty frenetic first half Southend started the better and had the majority of the possession as The Glovers strived to keep out their Essex opponents.

Southend suffered an early disruption when striker Charlie MacDonald was forced off following a challenge from Terrell Forbes. Tommy Black was the replacement.

Southend broke the deadlock after a long period of possession when Bailey found himself free in a great shooting and his shot into the bottom left hand corner gave Steve Mildenhall no chance.

Matty Rose nearly gave the Glovers an instant reply when he headed just wide from a Stieber corner but more problems were just around the corner.

In the next minute Marc Bircham was forced off with a nasty wound to his forehead following a clash of heads with McCormack.

Following a lengthy period to have six stiches inserted Russell Slade decided to bring on Paul Warne to replace him.

Yeovil started to rally and Anthony Barry was unlucky with a free kick that went just wide.

The Glovers got the ball in the net on the stroke of half time when Terry Skiverton looped a header over Flahavan but the goal was very dubiously ruled off side, much to Skiverton's disappointment.

Yeovil came out in a much more determined mood in the second half and showed plenty ofappetite for the battle and Skiverton went close with another header from another pinpoint Zoltan Stieber corner.

Former Yeovil favourite Matty Harrold had a chance for Southend but Mildenhall saved well.

As the pressure mounted a Yeovil goal seemed likely and it came after some great work by the superb Marcus Stewart whose probing balls had been causing Southend nothing but problems throughout the game.

Stewart managed to again flick on a left wing cross and Lloyd Owusu was on hand to somehow poke home off the post.

For a spell Yeovil looked capable of snatching an unexpected win, but the chances just wouldn't go in and the last few minutes will be more memorable because of a flurry of activity from referee Clive Penton when he booked Rose and Owusu and sent off Southend's Matty Harrold.

In what seemed a pretty inoxious clash Harrold and Mildenhall had collided as Harrold tried to charge down a Mildenhall clearance.

But despite pleas of mitigation from Mildenhall, Harrold was shown a second yellow and had to depart.

So a well earned point for the Glovers that keeps them just about in touch with the Play-Off positions, but three points against Cup giant killers Oldham, the next visitors to Huish Park will be essential.