SOUTHEND United striker Neil Harris was left massively disappointed despite scoring in his side’s 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers at Roots Hall on Saturday.

Harris put Blues ahead midway through the second half with his fifth goal of the season.

But he was still left gutted as Southend could not hang on to their lead.

“When I scored I thought we were going to go on and win the game and I’m massively disappointed that hasn’t happened,” said Harris, 34.

“I thought getting the first goal was always going to be difficult because of the way Bristol Rovers played but once that came I thought we might get a couple more.

“They weren’t causing us too many problems either but they scored with the only real chance they had to make sure the game ended in a draw and we’re all frustrated by that.”

To add to Southend’s disappointment, Rovers’ 77th minute equaliser was headed home by their former striker Matt Harrold.

He scored just six goals in 46 games while with Blues.

But he came back to haunt them again at the weekend, scoring just five minutes after coming off the substitutes bench.

“Sometimes it’s just written in the stars for a player to come back and score against his old club and I think that was the case with Matt,” said Harris.

“However, Bristol Rovers were among the pre-season favourites for promotion and although they’re not doing too well at the moment they do have some good players.

“Therefore I think it shows how far we’ve come as a club this season that we’re all disappointed to have drawn with them.”

Blues remain top of the League Two table but only on goal difference after second placed Crawley Town won 2-1 at Rotherham United.

Southend have now also not been beaten for 16 matches but boss Paul Sturrock still remained a frustrated figure at the final whistle.

“I thought it was one of our more disappointing performances at home this season,” said Sturrock.

“We were lethargic when compared to the standards we’ve set and there wasn’t an edge to our play."

FULL STORY IN MONDAY'S ECHO