Chris Conn-Clarke impresses as Carlisle edge out Southend

Chris Conn-Clarke scored one and created another as Carlisle held on to top spot in the National League with a 2-1 win at Southend.

Conn-Clarke opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a low shot from the edge of the area and 10 minutes later he picked out Regan Linney in space to allow him to slot home a second.

Southend quickly got back into it as Sam Austin turned in a low cross from Nathan Ralph and after Conn-Clarke was denied a second by Nick Hayes in first-half stoppage time, there was a tense battle in the second half.

Southend’s best opportunity for an equaliser came when Gus Scott-Morriss saw his header cleared off the line by Morgan Feeney as Carlisle hung on.