Victory sent rovers three points clear at the top of League 2, but there former captain Adam Barrett gave them a scar along the way. The central defender, who left them in the summer to join his hometown club, headered a brilliant equaliser midway through the 2nd half. Throwing himself at a right wing cross from Duncan Jupp, he buried his header from close to the penalty spot. It was Southend's first goal in open play this season and it cancelled a lead Rovers had been struggling to hold. But with 5 minutes left, Ali Gibb launched a fast raid down the right flank ending with a strong cross which James Hunt turned in at the far post. It was a narrow win for Southend's spirit often had Rovers on the back foot. Rovers went into the game with a new attack pairing Lee Thorpe with Junior Agogo. There was almost an instant success for them when Agogo turned Spencer Prior on the left hand side of the box. Thorpe dwelt too long over his side fotted attempt and Nick Nicolau had time to dive in and bundle the ball away for a corner. But the partnership soon prospered with Thorpe skimming some useful headers through to his partner. One looked certain to bring Agogo a goal but Bart Griemink got down well for the the first of several important saves. The breakthrough came in the 13th minute from Rovers 3rd corner. A ball driven high towards the far post bounced to Steve Elliott. The central defender sent it back high to the other post where it crept in as Thorpe arrived with the final touch. Southend though were not for wilting and hit back strongly with a sustained barage on the home defence. With Mark Gower and Kevin Maher impressive they were always close to an equaliser. Gower popping up on the right found the foot of the left hand post and Barrett's follow up was cleared off the line.