Ollie Pearce strike sends York top with draw against Southend

Ollie Pearce struck his 23rd goal of the season as York reclaimed top spot in the Enterprise National League by salvaging a 1-1 draw at home to Southend.

The division’s top scorer converted a cross from substitute Jeff King three minutes from time to stretch the Minstermen’s unbeaten run to 15 games.

York had dropped to third in the table ahead of the evening kick-off after promotion rivals Boreham Wood and Carlisle picked up points in Saturday’s earlier games.

Harry Cardwell headed seventh-placed Southend into a 31st-minute lead before Stuart Maynard’s hosts hit back late on to avoid a first league defeat since October 1.