Blair Sturrock's injury time equaliser secured Southend United a dramatic share of the spoils against Stockport County at Roots Hall this afternoon.

George Donnelly had given the Hatters the lead eight minutes from time with a controversial opening goal.

But substitute Sturrock made sure of a point for his father's side with a close range finish four minutes in to added on time.

Before the late drama, which also saw manager Paul Sturrock sent to the stands for his protests following Stockport's goal, Blues began brightly and, with just three minutes on the clock, Louie Soares played the ball through in to the path of the on-rushing Anthony Grant.

But, when confronted by County goalkeeper Owen Fon Williams at his near post, the midfielder could only carry the ball out of play

In reply, Stockport striker Donnelly fired a low 20 yard drive straight at Blues shot-stopper Glenn Morris but, with 14 minutes on the clock, Southend wasted a great chance to open the scoring.

Captain Craig Easton created the opportunity with a chipped through ball which picked out Barry Corr but the Irish striker could only fire wide of the left post from eight yards.

With Blues still pushing for an opening goal, on loan midfielder Josh Simpson dragged a shot wide of the left post from 25 yards but Stockport hit back in the 34th minute with Donnelly shooting wide of the target from a narrow angle.

On the stroke of half time, Southend replied with Soares sending a long range free-kick into the side netting before Scott Spencer chipped over from the edge of the penalty area.

At the start of the second half, it was Stockport's turn to pushing forward as a looping effort from Donnelly was tipped around the left post by the back-pedalling Morris.

Having survived the scares, Southend hit back with left back Chris Barker sending a well struck 35 yard shot just wide of the right post and, with 72 minutes on the clock, Blues boss Paul Sturrock made a double change in a bid to improve his side's creativity.

The Scotsman introduced both Sturrock and Sofiene Zaaboub as they took the places of Spencer and Simpson.

And it was Zaaboub was threatened first with a 20 yard shot which he prodded wide of the left post.

Moments later, an unmarked Corr bundled an inswinging Soares corner past the same upright from close range but it was Stockport who broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute with an effort which angered the home-side.

For just moments before the striker's shot Southend had stopped playing as assistant referee Marvin Williams had his flag raised for an offside decision.

However play strangely continued which enabled Donnelly to score.

Southend refused to give in though with Corr heading over from close range before Sturrock's tapped home after Zaaboub's left wing corner had been headed back in to his path by Mark Phillips.