SOUTHEND United head coach Kevin Maher felt the Shrimpers should have had a penalty during their 0-0 draw at Bromley.

Blues striker Harry Cardwell went to ground in the area just before the break following a challenge from Bromley’s Louis Dennis.

And Maher was certain a spot-kick should have been given.

“Cards is the wrong side of their defender and when he’s pulled his leg back he’s been clipped,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“If you look at the World Cup final and what was given then it’s definitely 100 per cent a penalty.

“He’s trying to get the shot off and he’s been clipped.”

With referee Elliot Swallow opting to wave play on, clear cut goalscoring opportunities were in short supply for the Shrimpers.

But Maher could not fault the effort of his side.

“The lads always give everything and they’ve done that again here,” said Maher.

“I felt there was lack of quality on Boxing Day against Bromley but I don’t think there was a lack of quality today.

“It was just in the final third we couldn’t put the game to bed.”

But Maher felt Bromley’s tactics were partly responsible for that happening.

“These games are always difficult,” said Maher.

“You saw on Boxing Day they’re trying to kill the game from the first minute and it’s the same today but we wanted to be on the front foot.

“They’re always difficult ones to break down and the hardest thing in football is to beat a low block and a team sitting in.”

As a result, the Shrimpers had to settle for a share of the spoils.

And Maher will be keeping his focus firmly on football despite the club’s financial issues.

“I love going into work every day because we’ve got an unbelievable group of staff,” said Maher.

“The players want to work hard and be successful and that’s a great atmosphere.

“When you look at the fans again today there’s another reason why for us.”

Attention will now turn towards Saturday’s clash with Solihull Moors at Roots Hall.

And Maher is keen to see a return to winning ways.

“We need a bit more quality in the final third and have to take our chances,” said Maher.

“We tried to get another body into the box at times but we keep working hard and the harder you work the luckier you get.”