Three second half goals helped Southend earn a 3-1 victory over Vanarama National League promotion hopefuls Halifax.

An early chance for Halifax saw Max Wright’s shot well blocked and Southend nearly found the breakthrough in the 20th minute when James Morton’s free-kick reached Josh Walker, who forced a great stop from Sam Johnson.

Charley Kendall hit a shot wide of the post on the cusp of half-time and Gus Scott-Morris smashed an effort just over the crossbar.

Southend struck in quick succession after the break as Scott-Morris headed them in front in the 55th minute from a corner and Tom Hopper doubled the advantage three minutes later from another set-piece, smashing the ball home at the back post.

Halifax pulled one back in the 83rd minute when substitute Luca Thomas struck from the left but Kendall restored Southend’s two-goal advantage just three minutes later.