Last-gasp goals are becoming a bit of a habit in Paul Cook’s early tenure as Stanley boss.

After two late goals against Port Vale and Bradford, an injury-time Padraig Amond goal rescued the Reds a third point on the trot at promotion-chasing Southend on Saturday.

But that was only half of the drama at Roots Hall as life has certainly not been dull in Cook’s six games in charge.

There were two sendings off – Michael Liddle was harshly dismissed and Cook himself was sent to the stands although that did provide something of a glory moment for the 65 travelling Reds fans as the 45-year-old boss was with them when Stanley hit the late leveller.

Referee Danny McDermid also denied Stanley what looked a certain penalty when Jamie Devitt had his legs taken with the Reds 1-0 up.

The official also overturned a decision given in Accrington’s favour, which led to Southend breaking and scoring their second goal.

It was certainly not a dull encounter – and Cook was pleased with the show despite all the ups and downs.

"We played very well," said a happy manager after the draw.

"We spoke about it before the game, we wanted to create chances and we will never be a team that just sets up to be hard to beat.

"I thought the lads were terrific, we created numerous chances and I am not questioning the referee’s decisions and saying he had a bad game but sometimes, if you had had the rub of the green, you feel you could have won.

"Then there were a few talking points – when Jamie was clean through just before half-time and everyone was saying it was a penalty, and if it is it’s a red card but nothing was given.

"They are decisions that can change games.

"I don’t mind if the referees get decisions wrong but one of the big problems with me is that, in the first half, the linesman in front of us flagged for a foul to Southend and gives the foul.

"In the second half, the linesman flags for a free kick to Accrington and the ref says play on and it ends up in our net.

"I got sent off for questioning that decision and he should be getting them right.

"All I am asking for is consistency, not favouritism, but we end up with 10 men, a manager sent off and every decision goes against us and it’s great credit to the players that they battled on.

"I am just really pleased we got a point as it would have been harsh to get beat."

Cook got the chance to see his side go in front for the first time in his short reign when Hull loanee Devitt struck from the edge of the area four minutes before the break and it squeezed into the bottom of the goal.

Before that automatic promotion-chasing Southend had a few breaks but the Reds defence handled it well while Stanley also carved out a number of chances.

And the Reds could have been a shocking two goals to the good when Devitt was clean through and lining up to shoot on the stroke of half-time and Mark Phillips connected with him and knocked him off balance.

Most home fans were holding their breath while the away supporters were screaming for a penalty but instead there was a stunned disbelief as the referee waved play-on.

Southend did up the gear after the break with subs Ryan Hall and Elliot Benyon entering the fray and they did make a difference.

On 65 minutes Charlie Barnett gave away a free kick; it wasn’t properly cleared and it came out to Luke Prosser who curled the ball home from 15 yards.

However Stanley should have gone back into the lead when Kevin McIntyre – whose corners were a threat all game – fired in a perfect one which the unmarked Toto Nsiala somehow headed over with the keeper beaten.

Then came controversy number two 14 minutes from time. The assistant flagged for a foul for the Reds in their own half; the ref overruled it and Neil Harris charged down the left wing and played in a perfect cross which Benyon thumped home.

Cook was up in arms and McDermid sent the boss straight to the stands – although he went instead to join the Stanley fans behind the goal.

Will Hatfield came on – scorer of the last two late goals – and he raised hopes but they seemed to be dashed on 81 minutes when Southend broke at pace.

Liddle broke up the initial attack but then challenged Anthony Grant in midfield – and was shown a straight red.

It was clumsy but wasn’t malicious and a yellow looked enough.

However the ref said it was violent conduct and sent the Sunderland loanee off, meaning a three-match ban and therefore, the end of his loan spell.

"I couldn’t see Michael’s sending off as I was at the top end with the fans and I am not here to slag the referee off," said Cook.

"I don’t think it was a difficult game to referee, there were no real contentious decisions, no nastiness in the game and all of a sudden we have a sending-off and things which I think the referee should control better.

"I just don’t like it when the lads get injustice against them. You come here and you just want fairness. Some of the decisions were questionable."

It seemed then that Southend would claim an undeserved win but, as Stanley fans are now getting to know, late drama has become the norm.

An injury-time McIntyre corner was fired into the danger area, the Shrimpers failed to clear and Amond claimed he got the slightest of touches to force it over, sparing Bury loan keeper Cameron Belford’s blushes as it could have been an own goal.

Cook insisted: "It was a terrific late goal and it shows the team’s character. It would have been easy to lie down and accept it but we don’t do that."

As three late goals have shown.