The Bluebirds were bidding to match their best unbeaten record since returning to the Football League. But Portsmouth loanee Recco Hackett-Fairchild’s third-minute goal separated the two sides in a relegation six-pointer. Barrow have not won at Southend for over 50 years as the ten-man basement boys’ recent revival continued with just one defeat in their last ten league games. Michael Jolley’s side remain outside the bottom two on goal difference. Jolley made a solitary change to the side which drew with Tranmere just before the New Year. Chris Taylor came straight back into the starting line-up following the birth of his child with Harrison Biggins forced to miss the game after his sending off last time out.