Harriers made a disastrous start when Hutchings, a summer target of Molby's, gave Southend the lead.

Rawle burst past Sall on the left Flank and cut the ball back and although Bramble missed his kick, the ball fell kindly for Hutchings 12 yards out. Colin Larkin missed his kick with only the keeper to beat

Harriers immediately came back into the game and won a free kick 30 yards out which midfielder Williams belted over the bar.

A sloppy back pass on 10 minutes from home defender Cort nearly put his team in trouble but Foster took the ball out of play as he nicked it past keeper Flahavan.

Rawle missed an excellent chance for Southend when he hooked Bramble's cross over the bar.

Then Harriers shot down the other end and Broughton headed straight at Flahavan.

Larkin missed a great chance moments later when Foster released him in a swift counter-attack but the striker completely missed his kick with only the keeper to beat.

Southend should have made it two on 23 minutes after Brock parried Bramble's effort into the path of Rawle who could only shoot onto the outside of the post from an acute angle.

A minute later Bennett flew down the pitch and drove inches wide from the edge of the box.