Burton Albion missed the chance to top League Two as they drew 0-0 against Southend United at Roots Hall this evening.
The Shrimpers threatened first in the match as Kevan Hurst fired a curling effort towards the bottom corner, but Jon McLaughlin was on hand to make the stop to turn the ball past the post.
Albion were presented with an excellent chance to take the lead when Alex MacDonald found space inside the box, but he lost his composure at the vital moment and put his strike wide.
Barry Corr should have done better when presented with a decent opportunity as he connected with a volley from outside the box, but his effort failed to trouble McLaughlin.
In the second half, Burton could have capitalised on a mistake in the Southend backline as Stuart Beavon gathered a loose ball, although his strike was comfortably saved by Daniel Bentley.
The home side hit back through Jack Payne, and Albion were grateful to a good save from McLaughlin as the keeper beat away the midfielder's powerful strike from distance.
MacDonald threatened twice late in the game as he curled an effort just over the crossbar from 25 yards out, while he came closer minutes later as he tried to poke Beavon's cross into the net, but narrowly missed the target.
Simon Sinclair
