Bromley extended their unbeaten run to five National League matches but had to settle for a goalless draw at home to play-off rivals Southend.
The Kent side’s narrow victory in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day had put their sixth-placed opponents within reach but they missed the opportunity to leapfrog their rivals.
Southend had the better of the first half with Jack Bridge squandering a chance inside the opening two minutes and Harry Cardwell’s appeals for a penalty being waved away.
Bromley improved after the break and Jude Arthurs was denied by a fingertip save from Blondy Nna Noukeu, while Chris Wreh and Cav Miley had chances to nick Southend a victory late on.