Peterborough United performed well in the opening 25 minutes, but didn't find the breakthrough and a goal in the final quarter of the game from centre back Peter Clarke earned Southend United maximum points on the opening day of the League One season.

Darren Ferguson's men made a positive start to proceedings at Roots Hall and had the majority of the early possession on a slick surface which was aided by the persistent rain that began falling 30 minutes before kick-off.

The blustery wind was certainly causing a few problems for the Southend defence as Posh continued to press, but despite a corner kick won by Aaron Mclean, they couldn't find the early breakthrough their possession warranted.

Mclean then saw a volley past the upright after George Boyd had cut inside the full-back onto his weaker right-foot. Goalkeeper Joe Lewis had his first taste of action on 12 minutes as he collected a low cross from Nicky Bailey, the shot-stopper taking a kick for his troubles from ex-Tottenham Hotspur front man Lee Barnard.

Damien Scannell fired over from just inside the area after a misjudgement by Tom Williams as the Shrimpers got into the game. Lewis comfortably dealt with a skidding shot from Bailey before Boyd was rampaging down the left again, his cross was swept over by Dean Keates at the near post.

Craig Mackail-Smith was inches away from converting an excellent low cross from Chris Whelpdale on 19 minutes as Posh came desperately close to finding the opening goal of the afternoon.

The first booking of the season was awarded to Boyd whose late challenge on Dan Harding was punished by referee Mr Whitestone. You would certainly have received long odds on Boyd being the man first in the book for Posh this season.

Keates floated a free-kick over the bar on 34 minutes after a push on Mackail-Smith was spotted by the assistant referee. A 25-yard shot from Charlie Lee had goalkeeper Steve Mildehall diving to his right, but the strike, although powerful, was not on target.

Charlie Lee squandered a good shooting opportunity moments after the break following good work from Boyd with the midfielder blazing over the crossbar and over the back of the stand.

Peter Clarke saw a header saved by Lewis at the other end after an inventive corner kick from the hosts with the ball rolled all the way back to recent signing Dan Harding. The left-back then saw a free-kick curl over the bar after Williams was penalised for a foul on the edge of the area.

Southend were looking lively in attack and a low drive from Bailey was touched wide by Barnard on 55 minutes. Lee was cautioned for protesting on 65 minutes but set-piece delivery from both sides was severely under-par.

A snap shot from Mclean was parried moments later after Boyd's shot had deflected into the striker's path. Mclean then headed Keates' cross wide of the near post but Mildenhall was still not being tested on regular occasions.

Kevin Betsy was the first substitute introduced by the hosts as the impressive Scannell was replaced. Morgan was close to conceding an own goal less than 60 seconds later after a driven Francis cross flicked off the centre back's head, but the ball landed on the roof of the net.

The deadlock was broken on 76 minutes as an in-swinging corner from Dan Harding was converted from close-range from centre back Peter CLARKE who poked the ball home as Posh struggled to clear.

Whelpdale headed a Williams cross wide as Posh went in search for an immediate response. Lee was afforded a free header from a Whelpdale centre before Paul Furlong saw a shot beaten out by Lewis.

Final Score: Southend United 1-0 Peterborough United

Referee: D Whitestone
Attendance: 8,665 (1,468 Posh fans)