Southend United 1-0 Bristol Rovers: John White winner for Phil Brown's side

Thursday 12 November 2015 06:43, UK

John White's second goal in 12 years saw Southend United move to within two rounds of Wembley with a 1-0 win against Bristol Rovers at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers skipper settled the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Southern Area quarter-final with an 11th-minute header but Phil Brown's side were thankful for a number of fantastic second-half saves from goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

Southend bagged the only goal of the game when White headed home a left-wing cross from Kevan Hurst.

However, the visitors thought they had equalised in the 40th minute when Billy Bodin netted from long range, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside after referee Andy Woolmer had consulted with his assistant.

Rovers piled on the pressure after the break but could not find a way past Bentley who brilliantly denied Lee Brown from long range before he also saved twice from Jermaine Easter.

Rovers skipper Mark McChrystal also volleyed wide from six yards but the Shrimpers should have doubled their lead when substitute Joe Pigott fired wide of the right post from 12 yards.