SOUTHEND United slumped to their first defeat of the National League season this afternoon, losing 2-1 at Barnet.

Gus Scott-Morriss’ third goal in four games brought the Shrimpers level after Harry Chapman had fired the hosts in front during the first half.

But a 70th minute penalty from Mark Shelton saw Barnet triumph in a match where Blues were roared on by more fans than the hosts.

With 10 minutes on the clock, Southend threatened when Scott-Morriss advanced down the right hand side before teeing up Harry Cardwell whose goalbound effort was blocked by Barnet defender Joe Kizzi.

In reply, the Bees’ Nik Tavares then headed over a right wing corner from Zak Brunt before Shelton sent a tame effort straight at Blues goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi after a quickly taken free-kick from Brunt.

But, with 31 minutes on the clock, Barnet took the lead with a goal out nothing as Chapman fired a low 30 yard shot into the left hand side of the net.

After the break, the Shrimpers looked to draw back level with Cardwell heading Coker’s right wing free-kick wide of the left post before the visitors made their first change of the afternoon on the hour mark with George Moncur replacing Noor Husin midfield.

Shortly after the change, Blues wasted a decent chance to draw back level as an unmarked Danny Waldron headed over from 12 yards after being picked out by an excellent right wing cross from Scott-Morriss.

However, the visitors continued to attack and drew back level in the 64th minute, with Scott-Morriss on target for the third time in four games.

The right wing-back reacted sharply in the box following a left wing cross from Jack Bridge and slammed a deflected right footed shot into the top right hand corner of the net from close range.

The Shrimpers stayed on top with Cav Miley firing wide of the right post from long range but Barnet hit back to regain the lead in the 70th minute with Shelton scoring from the spot.

Referee Greg Rollason awarded the penalty after Miley pulled back Shelton in the area and the midfielder confidently rolled the spot-kick slightly to the right of centre to put Barnet back in front.

Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher reacted by making a double change as Jack Wood and James Morton entered the action in place Waldron and Oli Coker.

However, it was Barnet continued to threaten with Reece Hall-Johnson having a powerful shot parried away by Andeng Ndi before ex Shrimpers loanee Brunt curled a 20 yard shot against the crossbar.

After surviving the scare, Blues rarely threatened and suffered their fourth defeat in succession against Barnet, much to the disappointment of their 1, 603 travelling fans.