Crewe 1-2 Southend: Pigott at the double

On-loan striker Joe Pigott scored twice as Southend made it four wins from their last five games with a 2-1 success in League One away to Crewe.

The Charlton youngster struck twice inside six second-half minutes as the Shrimpers held the upper hand against the Railwaymen, who slipped to the bottom of the table as a result.

Phil Brown's side started strongly but David Mooney was thwarted by a goal-line clearance by Stephen Kingsley.

Pigott smashed a shot onto the bar and soon after was denied another strike at goal by George Ray's intervention.

For Crewe, Kingsley made his mark at the other end when he curled a free-kick onto the bar.

The second half opened with a flurry of goals as sharp finishing from Pigott twice handed the Shrimpers the initiative.

The 21-year-old turned and finished Ryan Leonard's delivery from the right wing, whipping a shot high into the net in the 47th minute.

Crewe levelled when Brad Inman cantered clear and shot under Dan Bentley two minutes later.

But Southend were back in front when Pigott was ideally placed to head past stranded keeper Ben Garratt after Dave Worrall's deflected shot came back off the bar in the 53rd minute.

Marcus Haber and substitute Chris Atkinson forced Bentley into saves, but the Cheshire side remain without a win in front of their own fans this season.