SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher was left ruing his side’s lack of cutting edge following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Wrexham.

Blues struggled to create clear cut chances despite enjoying long spells of possession at the Racecourse Ground.

But Maher felt the Shrimpers coped well against the in-form league leaders other than posing a threat in a final third.

“They’re a great side and they’re on a hell of a run so you know you’re going to be tested at times,” said Maher.

“But I felt like we were in control for long periods, it was just that cutting edge.

“At the top end of the pitch Cards (Harry Cardwell) is coming back from injury, Chrissy Wreh is coming back from injury and Murph (Rhys Murphy) came on after his injury.

“We need our forwards really sharp and we’re getting there with that.”

Blues enjoyed their best spell of pressure late on but their efforts were largely restricted from outside the penalty area with Wes Fonguck firing the best of the opportunities wide of the left post.

“On a heavy pitch we wanted to sap their legs and shift them about, waiting for that one chance that might open up,” said Maher.

“It nearly did, it dropped to Wes on the edge on the box and we have to show more belief to score.”

But Maher also took encouragement from the closeness of the contest.

“It shows how close we are to being a very, very good side,” said Maher.

“You need one or two things to go your way and unfortunately another referee decision has gone against us.

“We obviously need to score more goals and I don’t want to say how well everyone has done when we’ve lost.

“We want to be winning football matches but if we keep on producing that kind of effort and energy then you will win more games than you lose.”

The Shrimpers were again roared on by superb support on Saturday as more than 700 fans made the trip to Wales.

“It was an unbelievable turnout, especially in these conditions,” said Maher.

“They were the only ones singing I could hear throughout the game.

“There were only moments where Wrexham’s fans drowned us out but for 90 minutes it was our fans I could hear.

“The support they give the players is unbelievable.”

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