Shaun Goater?s poor run of form continued last night as he was substituted at half-time after failing to score in his sixth straight game for the Shrimpers.

Steve Tilson?s side did manage to avoid defeat for the first time in five matches, earning a 0-0 draw against Chesterfield in front of a little over 5,000 fans at Roots Hall.

The Bermudian started in attack with topscorer Freddy Eastwood but after an uneventful opening 45 minutes he was replaced by Wayne Gray at the break although the substitute couldn?t help find the breakthrough and Southend remain winless in five games and dropped down to fourth in the table.

Goater, who began his season with Southend with a goal blitz, has now scored just once since the middle of September for the League One side who reached the top of the table with eight consecutive wins before losing four straight ? including getting dumped out of the FA Cup on Saturday.