Zak Mills handed the Pilgrims an 81st minute lead against Southend United at Roots Hall, but it lasted only three minutes despite Rhys Lovett’s superb penalty save.

Lovett denied Jack Bridge from the spot - but Andrew Dallas tucked home the rebound to rescue a point for the Shrimpers.

United boss Graham Coughlan had made two changes ahead of kick-off, with loanees Rocco Coyle and Owen Hampson employed from the outset.

Southend's Cav Miley blasted two early sighters off target for the hosts, but the best chance of the first half fell to Jordy Hiwula who broke clear, checked back and forced Collin Andeng Ndi into a smart, near post save.

After the break, Lovett beat aside a swerving drive from Harry Boyes, before clawing aside Dallas' towering header.

Boston took the lead with nine minutes to play when substitute Kieren Donnelly, back in the squad for the first time since August Bank Holiday Monday, kept the ball alive and whipped in a cross from the left which was expertly guided home by MILLS, who had also scored against the Shrimpers in March.

Southend levelled three minutes later when Dylan Hill was adjudged to have fouled Oli Coker and despite Lovett spectacularly denying Bridge, DALLAS swooped to fire home the rebound.

Southend (3-5-2): Collin Andeng Ndi; Harry Taylor, Ben Goodcliffe, Nathan Ralph; Gus Scott-Morriss, Keenan Appiah-Forson (Jack Bridge 81), Cav Miley, Sam Austin (Leon Parillon 67), Harry Boyes (Oli Coker 81); Tom Hopper (Josh Walker 67), Andrew Dallas. Subs (not used): Joe Gubbins, James Morton, Nick Hayes (gk).

Boston (4-3-2-1): Rhys Lovett; Ben Grist (Jacob Scott 75), Connor Teale, Zak Mills, Alex Lankshear; Rocco Coyle (Kieren Donnelly 71), Jordan Richards, Greg Sloggett; Owen Hampson (Matty Carson 58), Dylan Hill; Jordy Hiwula (Lenell John-Lewis 58). Subs (not used): Michael Kelly, Arjan Raikhy, Bobby Jones (gk).

Referee: Isaac Searle.

Attendance: 7,900 (152 visitors).

PIC: Chris Bray.