LUKE Prosser’s own goal condemned Southend United to a 1-0 defeat at Burton Albion this afternoon.

The defender’s unfortunate effort, which was his second own goal at the Pirelli Stadium in the space of five seasons, saw the Shrimpers’ three match winning run come to an end.

And the effort also continued Blues’ recent misery against the Brewers.

Albion saw off the Shrimpers with 10 men last season having beaten them in the play-offs the year before.

But the table-topping Albion were forced to grind out their latest triumph against Phil Brown’s side.

Burton threatened first with Nasser El Khayati sending a deflected 20 yard shot inches over the crossbar before Mark Duffy saw a powerful long range effort tipped over the crossbar by Shrimpers goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

Moments later, Brewers captain John Mousinho headed wide of the left post from eight yards after good work down the right hand side by Duffy.

Southend son worked their way back into the game with Joe Pigott having a header scrambled to safety by Burton goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.

But, after the break, it was Burton who threatened first with Matty Palmer having a deflected 20 yard shot squirm inches wide of the right post.

However, Burton were not to denied for long and, with 51 minutes on the clock, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side opened the scoring with Prosser firing the ball into his own net.

Tom Naylor’s low, left footed shot from the left hand side of the penalty area was set to fly wide of the right post before Prosser diverted the effort past Bentley from eight yards out.

Shrimpers boss Brown immediately responded by making his first change of the afternoon with Myles Weston replacing David Worrall.

And, with 65 minutes on the clock, Southend made their second substitution with Anthony Wordsworth coming on for Michael Timlin.

Despite the alterations, Blues rarely threatened until the 73rd minute when Bentley’s long ball forward picked out Pigott but the striker’s effort was blocked the arm of the on-rushing McLaughlin.

Seven minutes from time, Southend made their last change with Jack Payne replacing Gary Deegan.

And, shortly after the change, David Mooney headed Weston’s left wing cross straight at the keeper in what proved to be Blues’ last chance to grab a late equaliser.