SOUTHEND United slumped to a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Sutton United at Roots Hall this afternoon.

The Shrimpers – who were looking to build on the midweek win against Eastleigh – started brightly and opened the scoring after 11 minutes with Gus Scott-Morriss on target from long range.

But defensive frailties gifted Sutton a way back into the game as Josh Coley and Ashley Nadesan netted either side of a Joe Gubbins own goal to condemn Blues to their first home defeat of the season.

Blues threatened early on with Joe Gubbins heading over a left-wing cross from James Morton before the visitors hit back with Jayden Harrs flicking Josh Coley’s left wing cross into the hands of Collin Andeng Ndi.

But, with 11 minutes on the clock, the Shrimpers took the lead with Scott-Morriss on target for the sixth time this season.

The in-form right wing-back latched onto a poor clearance from former Blues goalkeeper Steve Arnold and scored with a superbly taken 30 yard shot high into the top right hand corner of the net.

Moments later, Shrimpers midfielder George Moncur saw a swerving free-kick pushed wide of the left post by Arnold before Bim Pepple’s close range shot was blocked by the legs of the Sutton keeper.

Pepple was then immediately involved in a sickening clash of heads with Ryan Jackson.

After a lengthy spell of treatment to both players, Jackson made way for Tyler French before Pepple came back sporting a protective headband.

The on loan Luton Town striker was soon involved again as his challenge with Harry Ransom resulted in the ball flying forcibly towards goal which forced Arnold into a save low down to his left.

But, deep into stoppage time, Sutton drew back level as miscommunication from Harry Taylor and Adam Crowther allowed Josh Coley to race clean through on goal.

The Sutton skipper kept his composure well and rounded the advancing Andeng Ndi before scoring with his left foot.

Things got even worse for the Shrimpers six minutes after the break when a dangerous left wing cross from Charlie Waller struck the outstretched leg of Gubbins and nestled in the back of the North Bank net to give the visitors the lead.

Blues replied with a double change in the 57th minute of the match as Macauley Bonne came on for Gubbins at the same time Keenan Appiah-Forson took the place of James Morton.

After the substitutions, Pepple head Jack Bridge’s corner straight at Arnold before the target-man also saw a scuffed volley easily saved.

Moments later, Moncur fired over from long range before Bonne headed over a right wing cross from Scott-Morriss when well placed in front of goal.

But Sutton stood strong and made it 3-1 in the 75th minute when a left wing cross from Davies picked out Nadesan who scored with a clinical right footed shot high into the top right hand corner of the net.

Blues boss Maher immediately brought Jack Wood on in place of Pepple and the Shrimpers soon threatened with Appiah-Forson having a well-struck shot saved by Arnold at the second attempt.

Bonne then wasted a huge chance to get the Shrimpers back in to the game as he sent a tame volley straight at Arnold from close range in the closing action of a frustrating afternoon for Kevin Maher's side.