A STOPPAGE time penalty from Sam Dalby secured Southend United a dramatic 2-1 win against relegation rivals King’s Lynn at Roots Hall tonight.

The visitors broke the deadlock midway through the first half with Harry Phipps heading home.

But Matt Dennis equalised for Blues three minutes into the second half before Dalby scored the winner from the spot three minutes into stoppage to secure Kevin Maher’s side a third win in succession.

The Shrimpers had more of the ball early on with Tom Clifford sending a half volley over the crossbar before Southend debutant Harry Cardwell saw an effort blocked by King’s Lynn defender Harry Phipps.

Moments later, Will Atkinson saw a 20 yard shot deflected over by Ross Barrows before Sam Dalby also had an effort diverted wide of the target by defender Harry Phipps.

In reply, King Lynn’s striker Gold Omotayo saw a well struck left footed shot tipped over Blues goalkeeper Steve Arnold.

But, with 27 minutes on the clock, the visitors went in front when a poor clearance from Clifford led to the ball being played out onto the right flank where an inviting cross from Theo Widdrington was headed home by Phipps at the near post.

Blues hit back with Shaun Hobson seeing his header from Clifford’s right wing corner tipped over by visiting goalkeeper Paul Jones.

After the break, Jones parried away a low 25 yard shot from Dalby before Blues drew back level in the 48th minute following a piece of magic from Shaun Hobson.

The defender turned sharply down the right flank before delivering a low cross which Dennis fired home at the far post for his fourth goal in six games.

King’s Lynn replied with Widdrington seeing a swerving long range shot parried out by Arnold before Blues hit back with Harrison Neal seeing his 20 yard shot impressively tipped over by Jones.

Blues responded with their first change of the night in the 78th minute as Noor Husin replaced a tiring Dennis for his Shrimpers debut.

King’s Lynn soon threatened with Josh Barrett seeing a powerful shot parried away by Arnold before Blues hit back with Caldwell heading Husin’s right wing cross over the North Bank net.

However, the Blues were not to be denied and, three minutes into stoppage time, the hosts bagged a controversial winner after referee Lloyd Wood adjudged Ross Barrows to have brought Dalby in the box.

And Dalby held his nerve to calmly send the spot-kick down the centre of the goal to fire Blues up to 18th in the standings.