Sam Collins' red card for violent conduct proved disastrous for Hartlepool as Southend came from behind to win 2-1 at Roots Hall.Alan McCormack had just cancelled out Anthony Sweeney's first-half opener for Pools when Collins appeared to elbow Lee Barnard in the face in an off-the-ball incident.

Referee Gavin Ward consulted his assistant before sending Collins off and from the resulting free-kick Southend scored the winning goal.

Charlie Mulgrew side-footed the free-kick to Nicky Bailey on the left of the penalty area and his right-foot shot beat Jan Budtz at his near post.

Hartlepool opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Alan Thompson's cross from the left evaded everyone except Sweeney, who scored from the far post despite Peter Clarke's attempt to clear off the line.

The Shrimpers equalised in the 61st minute when Mark Gower nudged the ball forward to Alex Revell on the left. He spotted McCormack on the edge of the box and the midfielder unleashed a shot that gave Budtz no chance.

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