SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher knows the Shrimpers must start to find a way to beat side's spoiling tactics.

Blues were beaten 3-1 by Eastleigh during a frustrating afternoon at Roots Hall.

And Maher felt it was similar to other setbacks the Shrimpers have already suffered this season.

“It’s another one of those games we need to try and overcome,” said Maher.

“Bromley came here and shut up shop and teams want to kill the game from the first minute and look to nick something from a set piece or counter attack.”

But Maher will not be forced into adopting a similar style of play.

“I’m not going to play that way,” said the Blues boss.

“We will try and play the way we play but the goals we conceded are poor.

“All three goals are avoidable and they’re disappointing from our point of view.

“When they have something to hold on to and they’re killing the game it becomes difficult to break them down on a difficult, bobbly pitch.”

Goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu was at fault for two of the three goals the Shrimpers conceded.

But Maher diplomatically stated shot-stoppers are always scrutinised for their displays.

“Goalkeepers are highlighted in their position, when things go well for them and when things don’t go well for them,” said Maher.

“On a couple of occasions he made a great save but we’ll look at the goals again and I’m sure we will be disappointed.”

Maher certainly looked frustrated on the sidelines and was shown a yellow card in the second half for taking his protests too far following another dubious decision from the match officials.

And the 46-year-old feels is constantly battling for Blues.

“I feel like I’m fighting for everything that goes on at this football club at times,” said Maher.

“On the side, it’s something I’ve got to improve on I know that but it’s frustrating to say the least.

“We had a manager’s meeting at the start of the season and they said the one thing they want is the ball in play more but since the first game of the season that hasn’t changed at all.

“Teams kill the game and nothing happens.

“He starts booking people in the last minute for time-wasting, don’t bother.

“If you’re going to do it, do it from the start.”

Blues will now be looking to bounce back against York City next weekend.

And Maher again reiterated he would be focused on just the football during a concerning time for the club.

“We’ve got to get on with the football,” said the Blues boss.

“The lads come in every day and they’re brilliant.

“They come in every day with a smile on their face and the staff, with the energy they bring, make it a great place for the players.

“I can’t comment on anything else.

"We try to control the football side of things and we’re disappointed to lose today.

"We wanted to give the fans something and get a victory for them.

"They were applauding us even at the end and the support they give the players is fantastic."