Hartlepool United came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against Southend United at Roots Hall in a top-of-the-table clash in the Enterprise National League
An own goal from Tom Parkes gave Southend the lead after a matter of moments.
Nathan Sheron’s shot found its way past Collin Andeng Ndi in the second half to rescue a point for Pools.
The Pools captain saw his mis-kick from a Southend cross find its way past Harvey Cartwright and into his own net after two minutes.
The Shrimpers started the game better with a handful of chances denied by Cartwright and Parkes.
Jermaine Francis stole the ball from Andeng Ndi in the 18th minute as it fell to Alex Reid but the forward was unable to get a clear shot on goal.
Reid came close to an equaliser after the break after his 52nd-minute header was saved by Andeng Ndi at full stretch.
Cartwright was called to action twice in quick succession after parallel runs from Charley Kendall were denied by the Pools keeper on the hour mark.
Pools got the goal they were craving in the 65th minute as Nathan Sheron’s shot was deflected and past Andeng Ndi.
Southend came calling for another in the later stages of the game but the Pools backline were on call to keep them at bay.
After a handful of bookings for Pools, they held on to take a point back to the North East.
Pools: Cartwright, John, Parkes © (Walker 75’), Kouogun, McNally, Francis (Folarin 75’), Sheron, Hunter (Daly 45’), Miley, Reid (Johnson 85’), Topallaj (Charman 45’)
Unused subs: Smith, Campbell
Away attendance: 196
