SOUTHEND United fans have their say on Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Gateshead at Roots Hall.

Not at the races today, no intensity and waited for things to happen. Gateshead weren’t special but had more appetite than us. The spine has gone and the new additions are behind the curve at the moment. The biggest worry was where has the desire and fight gone.

@IanANichols

We’re short on numbers and short on confidence. I don’t believe we’re short on talent but this was not the game to be unsure of your starting XI (not all our fault) against a well organised and fit team who pressed us all over the place. If this is the benchmark we are well off.

@piershewitt

Really poor. We invite pressure and provide the opposition too much opportunity to score. Sadly, feel Colin is becoming a liability for us. A real lack of ideas in terms of generating chances.

@FlashDarbs

Wrong starting line for me. One upfront is too negative at home and gives the initiative to the away team, regardless of the personnel we have available. Be bold and take the game to them!

@BlackshawPaul

Tactics were wrong from the start. One up front at home is asking for trouble. Understand that Gateshead are a dangerous team but if you don’t have two up front then you don’t have a platform to build anything from. The ball comes straight back every time and invites pressure.

@L_O_Z_90

Tactically we were outplayed by a decent and organised Gateshead team. Only player to come out with some credit was Appiah-Forson. Collin was very poor today and has been lacking confidence for some time but it’s costing us, would like to see Hillson given a go Saturday.

@Justin_Dijkstra

We looked like we expected to struggle from the start and we did. Midfield need to use the ball better in our final third and keep pressure off the defence in our defensive third - don’t think they did either. We look like we’ll concede goals too easily.

@AndrewHackling

Definitely missed Ralph today, think that was a big factor, we sometimes underestimate what he brings to us.But not sure what has gone wrong after our excellent performance against Solihull. Maybe too many changes...need a more settled team. Penalty should never have been given.

@NicaraguaVisit

It’s going to take time for the team to gel, especially with all the changes forced on them this season. That said, we desperately need a new keeper and centre back to strengthen things.

@stuartbailey276

Very poor! But with half the regulars out replaced by newbies against a settled strong side it was never going to be easy. But why oh why do we play just one forward at home?? Ultimately outplayed I hate to admit, & looks like a tricky season on not off the pitch this season.

@tommyharris57

GSM and KAF are the only highlights. Fans are too fickle, you can't go silent at one down. As one of the biggest fan bases in the league you need to use your power. Can see bonne getting frustrated, don't blame him as strikers don't seem to be part of our tactics.

@twchh