SOUTHEND United will take a one-goal advantage into their LDV Vans Trophy Southern Area final second leg after this win at the Memorial Ground.

Striker Lawrie Dudfield headed the Shrimpers in front from a Lewis Hunt cross after eight minutes as the visitors threatened to run riot.

Pirates manager Ian Atkins opted to start with a 4-5-1 formation that saw the Blues constantly bypass the hosts' midfield.

But Atkins - linked to the Southend job before Steve Tilson's appointment - switched to a 4-4-2 line-up after 26 minutes and that allowed the Gas to claw their way back into the fixture.

On the half-hour mark referee Richard Beeby awarded Rovers a penalty after deciding midfielder Craig Disley was brought down by defender Adam Barrett.

But Bristol striker Junior Agogo blasted the spot-kick against the crossbar.

However, the West Country side were on terms 10 minutes after half-time when midfielder Ryan William's corner was headed home by cente back Steve Elliott.

Southend made sure of a win on the night when winger Mark Gower fired a 25-yard scorcher that hit the crossbar and the right post before going in over a grounded Ryan Clarke in the Rovers goal.

The second leg is at Roots Hall on Tuesday, March 8.

Full report, pictures and reaction in today's Echo.