SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher felt the Shrimpers gave themselves too much to do at Bromley.

Blues were beaten 2-1 at Hayes Lawn but only started to threaten after the hosts secured a two goal lead.

And that frustrated Maher.

“It’s bitterly disappointing because we’ve given them a two goal start,” said Maher.

“In the first half we were nowhere near the levels we think we should be at and have been at.

“There were too many errors and we didn’t do the basics right.

We were a bit slow in possession and we’ve got to do better.

“We came off our plan too often and what you can’t do is give goals away.”

Blues conceded twice before getting back into the game with a goal from Noor Husin.

And Maher was boosted by the spirit shown by the Shrimpers.

“We showed character to get back in it and showed character to try and get an equaliser too but it wasn’t quite to be for us,” said Maher.

“We had some chances but couldn’t quite take them which is disappointing.”