SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is disappointed to be without midfielder Cav Miley at Halifax Town this weekend.

Miley has been handed a one match suspension after being sent off at Woking on Tuesday night.

And Maher is frustrated to be missing Miley who is still working his way back to full fitness after a back injury. 

“It’s disappointing because after he’s out for so long injured Cav needs a few games to get himself up to speed again and get his rhythm back,” said Maher.

“It felt like he was starting to do that because he was landing on second balls more, competing more and getting around the pitch so it’s disappointing for him.

“He’s so honest in everything he does.

“He sets the tone in training and in games too with how competitive and intense we are.

“It’s disappointing for Cav but he will come back stronger like he always has done for us since he’s been here.”

However, Miley’s red card severely hindered Blues’ chances of winning at Woking.

And Maher admitted it has been tough dealing with the number of hurdles coming his way.

“It’s so frustrating that there is always something being thrown our way a little bit at the minute,” said Maher.

“People will say it’s just excuses but no this is what has happened.

“We’ve been here long enough to know what we’re doing and when we talk to the players we’ve got to emphasise doing the right things because then things will change.

“When it does we will really start motoring but we’ve got to keep working hard.”