Pilgrims enjoy late comeback
Southend spurned a golden opportunity to return to the npower League Two summit, conceding twice in the last five minutes of a 2-2 draw at Plymouth.
The Shrimpers seemed to be coasting at 2-0 up going into the final stages of the match, but Nick Chadwick reduced arrears for Argyle before on-loan Burnley debutant Alex MacDonald levelled.
Chadwick found the net from 20 yards while MacDonald pounced from close range after fellow substitute Joe Lennox's shot rebounded off the post to secure a vital point for the Pilgrims.
The late comeback came after Southend enjoyed a flying start, as Michael Timlin prospered following a defensive mix-up to score after just 59 seconds.
Home keeper Jake Cole's attempted clearance of a back pass in slippery conditions was charged down by Timlin and the ball flew into the back of the net.
The visitors' joy was doubled in the 34th minute when David Martin crashed the ball in from close range after Liam Dickinson's shot was deflected.
Plymouth, who poor in the first half, created the better chances after the break but found visiting keeper Glenn Morris in fine form.
The Southend stopper saved Chadwick's downward header on the line and, in the 57th minute, flapped away Paul Wotton's pacy inswinging free-kick from the left.
When Wotton let fly again, from 25 yards in the 69th minute, Morris did enough to take the sting off the shot despite spilling the ball.
Argyle were thrown a late lifeline when Chadwick beat Morris and capitalised to earn a vital point through MacDonald's debut goal.
Source: PA
Source: PA