Southend ended a four-game winless streak as Lee Barnard's solitary goal saw them defeat Hereford at Roots Hall.

A cross from Simon Francis found Dougie Freedman who teed up his strike partner to fire the ball home from 12 yards.

Bradley Hudson-Odoi missed the chance to level as he shot wide from five yards, but it was the home side who dominated for much of the first half.

Hereford came back into the game in the second half, but Southend held on for their first win since the opening day.

Subs Not Used: Revell, Sankofa.

Booked: Francis, Grant.

Goals: Barnard 29.

Hereford: Randolph, Jackson, Beckwith, Rose, Taylor, Hudson-Odoi, O'Leary (Johnson 90), Smith (Easton 89), Diagouraga, Williams (Done 36), Guinan.
Subs Not Used: Samson, Oji.

Att: 6,393

Ref: Graham Horwood (Bedfordshire).