Southend United 3-1 Sheffield United: Shrimpers keep alive League One play-off hopes

Southend reignited their quest for a League One play-off place by effectively ending Sheffield United's bid with a 3-1 victory at Roots Hall.

Tyrone Barnett's close-range finish put the Shrimpers on the right track, at least until Dean Hammond equalised for the Blades with a bouncing header.

Phil Brown's men took control after the break, though, with David Worrall scoring a fantastic solo goal, before Jack Payne wrapped up all three points for the hosts with his finish on the stroke of full time.

Southend went in front after 28 minutes when Barnett poked the ball home from close range after visiting goalkeeper George Long failed to keep hold of Adam Thompson's downward header from Worrall's free-kick.

The Blades hit back six minutes later when poor defending enabled an unmarked Hammond to head home Matt Done's free-kick.

The visitors then wasted two great chances at the start of the second half with Che Adams and Billy Sharp firing over.

And the wasted opportunities came back to haunt the Blades on the hour-mark when Worrall cut in off the right flank and netted with an excellent effort into the far corner.

The impressive Payne then completed scoring in the last minute when he brilliantly went past Done, before beating Long with a chipped finish.