Cheltenham grabbed another vital point in their bid to avoid the drop with a battling 1-1 draw against high-flyers Southend.

The hosts took a 25th-minute lead when some brilliant skill from striker Steven Gillespie saw him dance his way past three defenders before squaring the ball to Steve Brooker to tap home.

The Robins could have added a second soon after the break when Gillespie sent a looping 30-yard effort narrowly over the crossbar.

But Southend drew level 16 minutes from time when leading scorer Nicky Bailey followed up a blocked effort from Jimmy Walker to fire home via the upright.

Steve Tilson's side almost grabbed victory and a place in the top six through skipper Adam Barrett but his last-gasp header cleared the crossbar.

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