Struggling Southend United are still searching for their first win of the season after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Cambridge at Roots Hall on Saturday.

Heads I win - Drewe Broughton gets the better of this duel Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

The Shrimpers failed to convert a hatful of clear cut chances during another annoying afternoon for boss Steve Tilson - whose side now sit 23rd in the early League Two standings.

But Blues came agonisingly close to securing a morale boosting triumph over Herve Renard's men as, following an uneventful opening few minutes, the home-side finally began to threaten the North Bank net.

As a result, with 24 minutes on the clock, midfielder Mark Bentley slammed a ten yard half volley against the top of the Cambridge cross bar after visiting keeper John Ruddy had failed to hold a curling Nicky Nicolau corner while under pressure from Spencer Prior.

Two minutes later another excellent Nicolau corner saw an unmarked Drewe Broughton embarrassingly send a side tapped shot wide of the left upright from just six yards before Nicolau was at it again in the 31st minute.

The former Arsenal full back delivered another inch perfect cross from the right for Bentley, who rose unattended at the near post, to head over the U's goal from close range.

The energetic Bentley then raced onto a defence-splitting pass from his midfield colleague Kevin Maher to fire a rising 12 yard effort just over the cross bar as Blues' frustration in front of goal again began to increase.

After the break, Bentley fired a wayward long range free kick off into the upper tier of the South Stand and, following a prolonged period of inactivity, the Shrimpers began to create a further succession of chances.

As a result, a Nicky Nicolau free kick from the right flank was then scrambled off the goal-line by Andy Duncan in the 75th minute after the nippy defender's effort had deceived U's shot stopper Ruddy from 25 yards.

Published Monday August 23, 2004

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