Substitute striker Tes Bramble's last gasp goal earned gutsy Southend United a deserved share of the Third Division spoils at Hull City on Saturday.

The 22-year-old frontman pounced in the dying seconds against the basement league promotion favourites to ensure Blues' first game of the new 2002/03 season ended on a high.

Hull took the lead early in the first half when loan midfielder from Newcastle United, Stuart Green, slotted home past a static Southend defence.

But Blues struck back after the break with winger Neil Jenkins marking his debut with an equaliser, only for Humberside hitman Stuart Elliott to restore his side's advantage.

However, Bramble's late heroics silenced a 10,000-plus crowd at Boothferry Park, ensuring justice prevailed as Rob Newman's men were well worthy of a point for their efforts.

The Shrimpers more than matched their big spending opponents for long spells of a game, which had earlier threatened to turn nasty.

A late challenge from Blues midfielder Ian Selley on home forward Ryan Williams sparked an 18-man pitch brawl, which soon calmed down.

And debutant referee Eddie Edwards booked nine players, which included seven warnings in a heated 12-minute spell and the late dismissal of Hull midfielder Ian Ashbee.

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Published Monday August 12, 2002

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