Soccer round-up: U's battle for point, Blues lose at Brisbane Road

Colchester gained a hard-earned point with a 1-1 draw against fellow strugglers Barnsley.

Central defender Danny Steele was sent off in the 16th-minute for a professional foul on Barnsley striker Bruce Dyer.

Barnsley dominated the match from that point onwards but could not produce the winning goal.

Colchester keeper Simon Brown made three superb saves, and Barnsley had two attempts ruled out for offside.

U's took the lead when Sam Stockley scored with a precise finish after good work from Kem Izzet.

Five minutes later Dyer equalised with an excellent overhead volley into the bottom left-hand corner, and Steele's dismissal followed.

Leyton Orient withstood a second-half revival by Southend to win an absorbing match at Brisbane Road.

Orient were two up at half time thanks to Ezomo Iriekpen and a Phil Whelan own goal.

With just 50 seconds on the clock, Iriekpen rose above the Shrimpers defence to head the ball past goalkeeper Daryl Flahavan.

Graeme Jones went closest for Southend after 30 minutes, but the visitors rarely threatened in the opening period.

Substitute Barrington Belgrave, who was later sent off for dissent, scored after 75 minutes but the home side hung on to claim the victory.

Full match reports and pictures in today's Evening Echo and Evening Gazette newspapers.

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