Andy Williams' third goal in two games gave lowly Bristol Rovers a welcome 1-0 win at Roots Hall against fading Southend on New Years Day.The striker netted after 56 minutes to lift Rovers further clear of the relegation zone.

Rovers' first accurate effort came after 21 minutes when Craig Hinton's 16-yard shot from a Lines pass was turned round for a corner by Steve Collis.

Sammy Igoe saw his driven shot deflect narrowly wide of the right post, before Collis parried the winger's 25-yard effort on 44 minutes.

Rovers took the lead when Stuart Campbell's surging run set up Rickie Lambert, who fed Williams for a rising right-foot shot that beat the diving Collis.

Southend finally found the target on the hour when Nicky Bailey thumped a 22-yard effort against the left post and substitute Gary Hooper fired the rebound straight at Rovers keeper Steve Phillips from six yards.

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