Stevenage 1-1 Southend United

Barry Corr's header keeps the tie level going into Thursday's second leg at Roots Hall

Barry Corr's 60th-minute header secured a draw for Southend in the first leg of their League Two play-off semi-final at Stevenage.

Dean Parrett had put the hosts in front with a 25-yard effort after half-time.

The first half was delayed for eight minutes because of a nasty clash of heads between Southend's Michael Timlin and Stevenage captain Bira Dembele.

Timlin required 15 stitches in a head wound and was substituted, while Dembele was replaced at the interval.

Both players watched the second half from the bench after their treatment, but it remains to be seen whether they will be involved in the second leg at Roots Hall on Thursday.

Before his early exit, Timlin had arguably the best chance of a physical first half but he sent his shot wide from 10 yards out for Southend, who missed out on automatic promotion on the final day of the season.

The hosts, who named 56-year-old Dave Beasant as their substitute goalkeeper, are hoping for a quick return to League One after relegation last season.

Stevenage manager Graham Westley brought back several of the players he rested for the final league game of the season at Luton, and they struggled to stretch Daniel Bentley before the break, as Chris Beardsley shot straight at the Southend goalkeeper.

Southend defender Adam Barrett, making his 300th appearance for the club, then headed over before winger David Worrall was denied brilliantly by the feet of Stevenage goalkeeper Chris Day.

The game really came to life in the second half when Parrett collected Charlie Lee's pass and found the back of the net with a stunning curling effort.

The visitors levelled soon afterwards, their top scorer Corr with a downward header from a Stephen McLaughlin cross that deflected in off the unfortunate Andy Bond.

Southend almost took a first-leg lead back to Essex but Worrall's excellent low volley went just wide of the far post in the closing minutes.

Stevenage boss Graham Westley told BBC Three Counties Radio:

"I thought it was a pretty fair reflection of the game if I'm honest. Both sides had chances, both took one each.

"The opportunity is there for one of the teams to win a game of football to go to a Wembley final.

"It's a great opportunity for us, we have to get ourselves right."

Southend manager Phil Brown: "If you look at the cut on Michael Timlin's forehead, and he wanted to play on, can you believe it?

"It was pure commitment from both teams. I think we just edged it in terms of chances and possession, but at the same time it's a draw and hopefully we can do the job on Thursday."

Bira Dembele and Michael Timlin clashed heads midway through the first half

Southend's Michael Timlin needed lengthy treatment for a head wound and was substituted

Stevenage captain Bira Dembele played on until half-time before being replaced by Jon Ashton

Stevenage named 56-year-old Dave Beasant as their substitute goalkeeper against Southend

Phil Brown's Southend missed out on automatic promotion on the final day of the season