Southend battled back to claim a 1-1 draw at Tamworth but missed the chance to significantly close on the top seven in the Vanarama National League.
Kennedy Digie had the hosts ahead in the eighth minute, converting from close range after Callum Cockerill-Mollett had knocked Nathan Tshikuna’s free-kick into his path.
However, play-off hopefuls Southend levelled eight minutes into the second half through Gus Scott-Morriss’ 14th goal of the campaign.
The visitors could have moved to within three points of seven-placed Altrincham – who lost at home to struggling Fylde on Saturday – with a victory but were unable to go on and find a winner.
