SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown felt too many of his players had an off day during Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Morecambe at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers went ahead on the half hour mark when Kevan Hurst fired them in front.
But the Shrimps, who have still never been beaten in seven games against Southend, hit back to condemn their hosts to a third successive defeat.

And an infuriated Brown felt it was the worst performance his team have produced since his arrival last April

“I’m very disappointed and it was probably the worst we’ve played since I’ve been manager here,” said Brown, who has now been in charge for 15 matches.

“We’ve got a good, honest group of lads who won the first three games of the season but we have now lost the next three games.

“There were too many off days for big players in our team.

“The defending was disappointing, the thought process and decision making wasn’t good enough and it was just one of those days.

“I was asking for a big performance and we didn’t get it.”

Brown made four changes to his starting line-up for the match with the more experienced Mark Phillips, Kevan Hurst and Michael Timlin all coming back in to the team, along with the on loan Cauley Woodrow.  

But that was not enough to help the Shrimpers get back to winning ways.

“Last week I thought the defeat we suffered was down to youth and inexperience so we wanted to bring in added experience,” said Brown.

“We had senior professionals in the side this time but there were too many off days out there.

“If you have five or six players having an off day you might get a draw but when you have eight, nine or 10 then you’ll be in trouble and that’s what happened.

“In the second half we seemed devoid of ideas and individuals were not up to their normal standard.

“Give Morecambe credit because they did a turn on us.

“It was a no-nonsense display from them but they also played football in the right areas and deserved to win.

“We were too much huff and puff and just not enough quality.”

Blues now sit 11th in the League Two standings and Brown will be looking for an immediate response when his team host Scunthorpe United at Roots Hall on Friday.

“I don’t want to be winning three and losing three but if we win the next three, starting with Scunthorpe, then I’ll be a happy bunny,” said Brown.