SOUTHEND United returned to action with a 3-1 defeat against Eastleigh at Roots Hall this afternoon.

The Shrimpers had seen their previous two games called off for frozen pitches.

And Kevin Maher’s side were caught cold by the Spitfires who capitalised on two mistakes from goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu to secure just their second away win of the season.

Blues started brightly with Harry Cardwell heading Callum Powell’s right wing cross wide of the left post before Eastleigh hit back with Jake Hesketh seeing an angled left footed shot pushed to safety by Nna Noukeu.

After that, the game was short of action until Shrimpers midfielder Cav Miley saw a 20 yard shot deflected wide of the right post against his former club.

But, with 32 minutes on the clock, the visitors took the lead following an error from Nna Noukeu.

The on loan Stoke City goalkeeper completely missed a right wing free-kick from Jake Hesketh and, after Charlie Carter’s initial effort was blocked in front of goal, Alfie Lloyd reacted quickly to poke the home from close range.

Blues found it hard to create goalscoring chances with Jason Demetriou firing wide from long range at the start of the second half.

But, moments later, Jack Bridge came close to equalising as he cut in from the left hand side before sending a 20 yard shot against the top of the crossbar.

In a bid to get back into the game, Blues made a double change in the 67th minute with the fit-again Gus Scott-Morriss replacing Demetriou down the right hand side with Rhys Murphy taking the place of Callum Powell in attack.

But, five minutes later, Eastleigh doubled their lead with Charlie Carter poking the ball home from close range after the Shrimpers failed to deal with a long throw into the box.

Blues rallied well and got a goal back in the 77th minute when Murphy cut in from the left hand side of the box before Cardwell latched onto the loose ball to score with a low shot into the left hand side of the South Stand net.

The Shrimpers pushed for an equaliser with Murphy stabbing the ball wide from close range.

But after surviving the scare, Eastleigh wasted a huge chance to make it 3-1 when Charlie Carter raced clean through on goal, only to see his shot kept out by Nna Noukeu.

However, the visitors continued to threaten and sealed their victory in the 86th minute with a long range shot from substitute JJ McKiernan somehow evaded Nna Noukeu to complete a frustrating afternoon for Blues.