MARK Gower broke Town hearts at Roots Hall with a last minute curler breaking strong resistance from a depleted visitors.

Town showed huge character to bounce back from the worst few days in the club's history to go within a few seconds of holding high-flying Southend 1-1.

But Gower's 93rd minute strike gave the hosts an undeserved win but gave hope for the future after a bleak hope.

As news of a revived takoever bid filled fans with hope off the field, their display in Essex proved they still have enough to hold their own in League One.

Simon Cox steered in Town's opener on just two minutes but Adam Barrett equalised for the hosts against the run of play on 31 minutes.

Swindon Town handed Chris Allen and Kaid Mohamed full league debuts with caretaker bosses Ady Williams and Dave Byrne being brave in selection.

Top scorer Billy Paynter was dropped to the bench, with Blair Sturrock coming in to form a three-pronged attacked with Mohamed and Simon Cox.

Chris Blackburn got his chance in the centre of defence while Portuguese forgotton man Mauro Almeida took his place on the substitutes bench.

With news Andrew Fitton's takeover bid has been resurrected to rescue the club from ruin, Town fans were looking for further good news at Roots Hall this afternoon.

After all the doom and gloom of the past few days, Town fans were given the perfect pick-me-up tonic with the opener on just two minutes.

Andy Nicholas had a 20-yard strike parried by goalkeeper Steve Collis but Simon Cox was the quickest to react, steering the rebound home from five yards.

Town almost doubled the lead just five minutes later when Cox's raking pass down the right flank set Sturrock clear. The striker pulled the ball back and Pook's shot from the edge of the area was deflected agonisngly wide.

With full debutant Chris Allen dominating the centre of the park and Cox and Mohamed supporting Sturrock at every opportunity, it was Town who were setting the pace.

But Leon Clarke almost volleyed the hosts level on 14 minutes out of nothing, his stunning 20 yard strike crashing against the bar with Peter Brezovan rooted to the spot.

The Shrimpers undeservedly got themselves back level on 31 when Steven Hammell's chipped free kick, after a foul by Aljofree, was headed home by Adam Barrett.

It almost got worse for the Robins a minute later as Clarke raced clear of the visitors' defence but dragged his shot wide of the far post.

Chris Allen's 49th minute corner caused a manic goalmouth scramble just yards out from Southend's goal. Skipper Aljofree saw his shot blocked with referee Mr Attwell waving away any half hearted penalty claims.

The game became fairly scrappy but it took a brilliant block from Aljofree, stopping Clarke just yards out, as Southend threatened to take the lead.

On the hour mark former Southend man Billy Paynter replaced Sturrock as the striker leading the line, to a chorus of boos from the home faithful.

The game continued to be a midfield battle but Pook almost gave the visitors the lead, seeing his 25-yard shot fizz just over the bar after Paynter's knock down.

With 15 minutes remaining the dangerous Leon Clarke was inches away from giving the Shrimpers the lead, toe-pokeing the ball wide after racing clear on goal.

Just when it looked as though Town had done enough for the point, Gower played a one-two with Clarke and buried the ball past Brezovan.

TOWN: Peter Brezovan, Jack Smith, Chris Blackburn, Hasney Aljofree, Andy Nicholas, Chris Allen, Craig Easton, Michael Pook, Simon Cox (Miguel Comminges 90), Blair Sturrock (Billy Paynter 60), Kaid Mohamed (Jon-Paul McGovern 78) SUBS: Mark Scott, Mauro Almeida

SOUTHEND: Steve Collis, Lewis Hunt, Peter Clarke, Adam Barrett (Garry Richards 51), Mark Gower, Kevin Maher, Dean Morgan (Charlie McDonald 76) Alan McCormack, Steven Hammell, Nicky Bailey, Leon Clarke SUBS: Darryl Flahavan, Gary Hooper, Frank Moussa