Southend ended their dismal run against Hereford courtesy of a solitary first-half goal from striker Lee Barnard.
Barnard nets crucial goal for struggling Southend
Southend ended their dismal run courtesy of a solitary first-half goal from striker Lee Barnard which ensured they beat Hereford 1-0.
The Shrimpers had gone four league games without a win before Barnard secured the points after 29 minutes.
Simon Francis' right-wing cross found Dougie Freedman and he teed up his strike partner to fire home from 12 yards.
Winger Bradley Hudson-Odoi blew a great chance to level three minutes later when he fired wide from five yards. Southend dominated the first half - with Kevin Betsy causing all sorts of problems down the right flank - but they had only Barnard's goal to show for it.
Hereford were limited to a few pot shots in the first period but started the second half stronger and saw Stephen O'Leary's shot parried by Steve Mildenhall.
The Southend stopper was forced into action again late on as his side secured their first league victory since beating Peterborough 1-0 on the opening day of the season.
