SOUTHEND United may not have an FA Cup tie to look forward to this weekend, but holding Premier League heavyweights Chelsea to a draw 12 years ago remains one of the club’s highlights in the competition.

The Shrimpers were knocked out of the FA Cup by non-league side Dover Athletic in November, meaning they will not be involved when the country’s top teams enter the competition in the third round.

However, we have taken a trip down memory lane to look back at when Peter Clarke’s late goal ensured Southend pulled off a major upset by securing a draw against a Chelsea side boasting several international stars.

Chelsea, who had been beaten Champions League finalists just a matter of months earlier, had household names such as Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba in their starting line-up at Stamford Bridge, but they still could not find a way to overcome a Shrimpers side plying their trade two divisions lower in League One.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Block - Anthony Grant puts former England left-back Ashley Cole under pressure as he gets a shot away

The hosts went into the third round tie as overwhelming favourites to progress in the competition and, while 6,000 fans travelled to west London to support the Shrimpers, Ivory Coast striker Salomon Kalou put Chelsea ahead just after the half-hour mark when he rose unchallenged to head in Lampard’s corner.

Southend goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall frustrated the likes of Drogba and Cole by making impressive saves, while Johnny Herd made a vital goal-line clearance to deny Juliano Belletti.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Backing their team - Southend United boasted 6,000 travelling supporters as they took on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

The misses allowed the Shrimpers to deliver a late sucker punch, with Clarke heading home to send the Southend supporters wild.

A stoppage time Mildenhall save to thwart Franco Di Santo allowed Southend to secure a 1-1 draw and force a replay.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Vital moment - Steve Mildenhall ensured Southend United would not be beaten by pulling off a stunning save to deny Chelsea striker Franco Di Santo late on

Although Chelsea ran out 4-1 winners in the replay at Roots Hall days later and went on to win the competition, the Shrimpers could not be beaten at a jam-packed Stamford Bridge.

Scroll down to see more images of the memorable FA Cup tie.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Under pressure - Southend United’s Alex Revell (left) and Lee Barnard (right) look to dispossess John Obi Mikel

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Kept at bay - Steve Mildenhall makes an important save to stop Chelsea striker Didier Drogba (second from left) getting on the scoresheet

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Up in arms - Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who won the World Cup while in charge of Brazil in 2002, shows his frustration on the touchline

SEE ALSO

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Opener - Salomon Kalou celebrates after giving Chelsea the lead

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Vocal - Blues fans make some noise and wave their flags ahead of the Shrimpers going head to head with Premier League heavyweights Chelsea

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Scenes - Southend United’s players and supporters celebrate after Peter Clarke’s leveller in the dying moments of the FA Cup third round tie

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Key players - goalscorer Peter Clarke and goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall embrace after the referee blows the final whistle