Tranmere 1-0 Southend

Southend's chances of automatic promotion came to an end as they lost for the first time in 14 games.

Tranmere dominated throughout, with Ian Moore having a shot well saved by Darryl Flahavan on the half-hour after being put clear by Shane Sherriff.

They finally went ahead in the 53rd minute when Antony Kay headed home from a pin-point cross by Sherriff.

Kay and Chris Greenacre both went close to adding to the home lead as Tranmere held on for the first time in four.

Tranmere: Coyne, Stockdale, Chorley, Goodison, Taylor, Shuker (Curran 78), Kay, Jennings, Sherriff, Moore, Greenacre. Subs Not Used: Achterberg, Mullin, Davies, Gornell.

Booked: Jennings, Taylor.

Goals: Kay 53.

Southend: Flahavan, Francis, Clarke, Barrett, Mulgrew, Black (Scannell 84), McCormack, Bailey, Gower (Moussa 84), Walker, Revell (MacDonald 71). Subs Not Used: Collis, Lokando.

Att: 5,842

Ref: Graham Laws (Tyne & Wear).