Newport cemented their place in the Sky Bet League Two play-offs with a 1-1 draw at already-relegated Southend.

Shaun Hobson fired the Shrimpers ahead early on at Roots Hall but a second-half equaliser from Mickey Demetriou secured a fifth-placed finish for Michael Flynn's side.

Southend went in front after just 11 minutes when a left-wing cross from Terrell Egbri was only half cleared and Hobson swept home a left-footed shot from 12 yards.

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Moments later, the Shrimpers' Greg Halford somehow fired over from close range before the visitors drew back level in the 56th minute with Demetriou heading home a long right-wing throw from Aaron Lewis.

However, Southend wasted a golden chance to regain the lead in the 61st minute when Matt Rush saw a softly-awarded penalty pushed wide of the right post by Tom King.

The Shrimpers will now be aiming to regroup in the Vanarama National League after their 101-year stay in the Football League was ended by a second successive relegation.