Paul Furlong was on target from the spot, as Southend secured another pre-season victory on the road against Chelmsford City.

The veteran striker's first half penalty proved enough to settle proceedings and earn the Blues a 1-0 win, as they again fielded Anthony Grant in their starting XI.

Chelmsford made a lively start with Bertie Brayley registering the first effort on target with a snap shot at the far post well held by Ian Joyce.

Simon Francis did his best to respond when blazing a long range strike over the top before Furlong arrowed a low strike that goalkeeper Danny Gay turned on to the post.

The deadlock was broken in the 28^th minute when James Walker's impressive run saw him sprint into the Chelmsford penalty box, only to be stopped in his tracks by a late tackle from Aidan Collins.

Furlong stepped up and sent a well-struck spot kick beyond Gay for his first goal for the club.

An immediate response from Chelmsford came when Kevin James rifled a low shot wide of the left-hand post from an acute angle.

The first half ended with a rasping drive from Nicky Bailey sailing narrowly over before Alex Revell was denied from 12 yards out by a smart save from Gay.

Chelmsford applied the pressure after the break with Stuart Ainsley curling a free kick over the top from the edge of the box.

Jason Hallett missed a free header from a corner when he should have scored, but the second half seemed to peter out with few chances for either side.

There was still time for Franck Moussa to brilliantly take down Osei Sankofa's cross in front of goal, but he couldn't deliver the finish needed by sending the ball wide of the post.

Southend: Joyce, Sankofa, Clarke, Barrett, Francis, Moussa, Bailey, Grant, Walker, Revell (Ademeno 75), Furlong.