Doncaster will be favourites to book a trip to Wembley after a goalless draw with Southend in the first leg of their Coca-Cola League One play-off semi-final.

They will have to do without Paul Heffernan, however, after the midfielder saw red for a headbutt on Charlie Mulgrew.

Rovers shrugged off the disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion on the final day of the regular season to put in a battling display.

The visitors could have even taken a priceless lead back to south Yorkshire, had Jason Price not fluffed his lines in front of goal in the second half.

Southend had their chances too, though, not least a point-blank Simon Francis effort kept out by veteran Rovers keeper Neil Sullivan just before the interval.

But the Shrimpers, who were the form side going into the play-offs after a run of one defeat in 15 games secured sixth place, will need to perform better in next Friday's second leg if they are to have a shot at returning to the Championship.

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll said Heffernan was 'devastated' following his sending off.

He said: "I didn't see it but I spoke to the referee and he said it was a headbutt and we have to accept that.

"It's disappointing for him, he's going to miss three games and he's devastated in the dressing room now. But he's got to take it on the chin and move on."

"Southend showed they are a good side and I'm sure the game next week will be just as tight."

Shrimpers bossSteve Tilson said: "It was a fair result on the night. We probably shaded the first half and they shaded the second."

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