SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher was among those confused by the manner of Gillingham’s opening goal at Roots Hall today.

The League Two side broke the deadlock in bizarre fashion when Jack Nolan’s header was adjudged to have crossed the line.

And Maher was just as bemused as the Shrimpers supporters when his side re-started the game with a kick off.

“I thought he flagged for offside and then when they walked back I didn’t really know what was going on,” said the Blues head coach.

“Harry (Taylor) stepped into midfield and it’s got stuck in his feet a little bit.

“They broke and I’m not really sure what happened after that but a goal was given.

“The disappointing thing for me was that we conceded again quickly after following an attack of our own.”

Blues went on to lose the game 3-1.

But Maher was still pleased with aspects of the performance.

“It took a little while to get going in the first half and it’s our first time playing here this season,” said Maher.

“Once we got going though I thought we had good control of the ball and lots of play against a team who are going to be at the top end of their division.

“They’re really well organised and have a lot of good players.”

However, the Shrimpers were still able to enjoy periods of good play.

And Maher was also happy to see Josh Walker hit the back of the net with a well-taken effort at the start of the second half.

“He knows the level and we know he’s a good player,” said Maher.

“Him and Cards are a good foil for each other.

“We’ve got Danny Waldron to add to that as well and I’m pleased for Josh to get off the mark here.”

Walker has now scored three goals in pre-season for the Shrimpers.

And Maher has welcomed the increasing positivity around the club.

“It’s just after a week ago that we got the news of the takeover and the positivity around the place is big,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“So much has gone on in one week and credit to everyone at the football club for that.

“It’s nice to see so many fans here, so many people wearing the shirts and the amount of season tickets we’ve sold as well is brilliant.

“Credit goes to everyone behind the scenes and the players as well who the fans come to watch.”