Southend United vs Bristol Rovers. Sky Bet League One.
Roots HallAttendance5,982.
Saturday 2 February 2019 20:14, UK
Bristol Rovers moved out of the League One relegation zone with a 2-1 win at Southend.
The Pirates dominated the first half at Roots Hall and handed boss Graham Coughlan a winning return to the Shrimpers, where he had formerly been a player and assistant coach.
The visitors came close to taking the lead after just minutes when Southend goalkeeper Nathan Bishop denied Ollie Clarke and Gavin Reilly with a stunning double save.
But, in the 20th minute, Rovers broke the deadlock with Liam Sercombe firing home after Tom Nichols had beaten Bishop to the ball.
Rovers doubled their lead in the 32nd minute with Reilly rolling home a controlled left-footed shot after being sent clean through on goal by Nichols.
Southend got back into the game in the 39th minute with Simon Cox tapping home after Pirates goalkeeper Jack Bonham had parried out a long-range shot from Dru Yearwood.
But Rovers stood firm in the second half and came close to making it 3-1 when Reilly slammed a well-struck shot against the crossbar.
