Carlisle United survived late Southend pressure to stay top of the National League.
After all the leading sides had won in the afternoon to drop the Blues to fourth, they responded with an evening 2-1 win at Roots Hall.
All the goals had come in the first-half and in a tight second period Southend almost snatched a point late on.
Gus Scott-Morriss saw his header cleared off the line by Morgan Feeney to see United through to the win.
Chris Conn-Clarke is proving an inspired signing as he scored the first United goals and created the other for top scorer Regan Linney.
Conn-Clarke scored in the 19th minute when a low drive from the edge of the area found its way into the Southend net.
Ten minutes later he turned provider when he found Linney in space and he made no mistake firing home the second.
Southend were quick to reduce the arrears when Sam Austin turned in a low cross from Nathan Ralph.
Conn-Clarke almost made it 3-1 only for Nick Hayes to make a fine stop.
The game was very tight in the second half and the only real chance went Southend’s way only for Feeney to make his match winning clearance.
