CHRISTMAS could be cancelled for Southend United following their 1-1 draw at Bury in the second round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Blues had been due to celebrate the festive season in the north of the country following this weekend’s game at Fleetwood Town.

But defender Ryan Cresswell revealed the planned party has had to be shelved, due to a cup replay against the Shakers.

“The replay means our Christmas party we had all sorted has had to be called off, but hopefully we can sort something else out,” said Cresswell, 24.

“We came close to winning the game right at the end and, to be honest, I thought we’d snatched it.

“Michael Timlin and Barry Corr both hit the post right after each other and I’m still not sure how it didn’t go in.

“However, the most important thing was making sure we stayed in the competition, which we did, and now we’re looking forward to the replay, even though it means we’ve had to call off our party.”

Southend will face Bury at Roots Hall on Tuesday, December 11, with the winner facing a home tie against either Bradford City or Brentford in the fourth round.

The Bantams and the Bees also drew 1-1 in their first meeting.

But Cresswell insisted Blues were frustrated not to have already made it through to the next round.

“The lads are a bit disappointed having gone so close to winning the game at the end,” said the centre-back.

“But when you look at the game overall both sides enjoyed good spells.

“It could have gone either way, but I thought defensively we dealt well with what Bury threw at us.

“They are doing well at the moment in League One in terms of form and their league position is false, so to come here and take it to a replay is a positive for us.”

Yet there was one negative for Cresswell against his former side after he gave away a first half penalty when referee Andy Haines adjudged him to have fouled Troy Hewitt when challenging for a header.

But the defender felt it was not the right decision.

“I’m not really sure it was a penalty to be honest,” said Cresswell.

“We both sort of jumped and fell to the floor.

“It was a bit harsh for me and I was a bit surprised he’d given it, but that’s how it goes sometimes.

“However, we showed excellent character to come back into the game and Gavin scored a very good goal.

“Hopefully we can finish the job in the replay now.”