Cheltenham Town 0-1 Southend United

Substitute Conor Clifford's long-range strike was enough to earn Southend victory over 10-man Cheltenham Town.

Cheltenham had midfielder Jason Taylor sent off for reacting to a 37th-minute challenge by Clifford.

Southend - and Clifford - made the most of their numerical advantage to earn a second win in four days.

Clifford beat Robins goalkeeper Trevor Carson with a fierce 25-yard effort to take the visitors into the League Two play-off places.

Carson also had to make a fine one-handed save to deny Myles Weston, while Kevan Hurst also smashed an effort against the bar as Southend looked to add to their lead.

The closest Cheltenham came to a first goal in three matches was a low shot from Jordan Wynter which was well saved by Daniel Bentley.

Cheltenham manager Mark Yates told BBC Radio Gloucestershire:

"I saw the red card at half-time and I thought it was very harsh.

"But Taylor has given him the chance. I don't think there's anything we can do about it.

"It was a great game until then. It was two good sides playing some good stuff. They showed in the second half what a decent passing side they were."