They will have to do without Paul Heffernan, however, after the striker saw red for a headbutt on Charlie Mulgrew.

Rovers shrugged off the disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion on the final day of the regular season to put in a battling display.

The visitors could have even taken a priceless lead back to south Yorkshire, had Jason Price not fluffed his lines in front of goal in the second half.

Southend had their chances too, though, not least a point-blank Simon Francis effort kept out by veteran Rovers keeper Neil Sullivan just before the interval.

But the Shrimpers, who were the form side going into the play-offs after a run of one defeat in 15 games secured sixth place, will need to perform better in next Friday's second leg if they are to have a shot at returning to the Championship.



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