ANTHONY Straker was a frustrated figure on his return to the Southend United side at Fleetwood Town on Saturday.

The 24-year-old midfielder was handed his first start in nine outings for the 0-0 draw at the Highbury Stadium.

But, after having an early effort ruled out for offside, Straker was gutted to also miss a fantastic chance at the start of the second half.

“It was frustrating because I thought the officials got it wrong for my goal that was disallowed and then I should've scored as well,” said Straker.

“I asked the referee why my goal was ruled out and he said one of the others lads was offiside which I didn't agree with.

“Then for my chance in the second half maybe I hit the ball too well and I was a bit disappointed to miss.”

However, despite failing to work his way on to the score-sheet, Straker hopes to have done enough to stay in the side when Blues host Bury in an FA Cup second round replay at Roots Hall tomorrow night.

“It was good to be out there playing and I was happy to just be involved,” said Straker.

“Hopefully I have done enough to keep my place in the side and can play a part against Bury on Tuesday.”

Blues boss Paul Sturrock has yet to make up his mind on who he should select to take on the Shakers.

But he insists Southend will go in to the game disappointed not to have beaten Fleetwood, especially after Marc Laird later joined Straker in having a goal disallowed.

"The boys in there think that the first one that was ruled out should have stood and they also think we should have had a penalty," said the Scotsman.

"They are slightly disappointed that we've not picked up the three points here and that tells you a lot about our confidence.

"Six weeks ago we would have been pleased with a draw but today they felt we should have picked up three points.

"Their camp will probably say differently because that's football.

“However, I thought we were on top in the first half, but never really got going in the second."

The draw saw Blues drop to sixth in the League Two table but they have now not been beaten in 10 games.