Southend and Exeter remain in trouble at the foot of the table following a dull 0-0 draw at Roots Hall.

Strugglers play out stalemate at Roots Hall

Southend and Exeter remain in trouble at the foot of the table following a dull 0-0 draw at Roots Hall. The Shrimpers created the best chance in a dismal first half when Scott Vernon shot straight at Exeter goalkeeper Paul Jones, while Steve Mildenhall easily handled the couple of efforts City mustered. Things improved after the interval, with Jones tipping a 20-yard Francis Laurent shot over the bar and making a double save to deny Vernon. At the other end James Dunne's shot was parried onto the bar by Steve Mildenhall before Adam Stansfield's follow-up was ruled out for offside. Franck Moussa volleyed wide and Laurent saw a header cleared for a corner as Southend looked to snatch victory. But it was Exeter who came closest late on, with Matt Taylor and substitute Richard Logan going close. Southend are now without a victory in 11, while Exeter's winless streak stands at nine games.