The Shrimpers remain fifth in the League Two table following a 1-0 win over struggling Bury.
Fifteen-goal top scorer Freddy Eastwood got the decisive goal after 42 minutes.
The striker pounced from six yards out after Mark Gower's free kick was only parried by Shakers' goalkeeper Andy Marriott.
Other goal-scoring opportunities were at a premium and Southend manager Steve Tilson admitted the victory had not been pretty.
"But we are happy to get three points at this stage of the season, and that's more important than pretty performances on the pitch," Tilson said.
Full match report, pictures and reaction in Monday's Echo.
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