SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown hit out at referee Ross Joyce following the Shrimpers’ disappointing 4-0 defeat at Northampton Town on Saturday.

Blues conceded four times in the second half as they suffered a convincing setback at the Sixfields Stadium.

But Brown was angered by two decisions in quick succession –including a red card to defender Jason Demetriou – which he felt killed the game off within the first five minutes of the second period.

“I didn’t see that coming at half-time but I didn’t see the referee changing his mentality either,” fumed Brown.

“He gave them a free-kick for handball but I’ve looked at it again with the fourth official, the assessor and the assistant who are all saying he can’t give it.

“Yet somehow he did and the ball ends up in the back of the net.

“Of course I can blame the goalkeeper but the referee has given a free-kick in the first place before his mistake.

“For the second goal I thought the rule had changed and if you were denying a goal scoring opportunity then a penalty and a yellow card was enough but he gave a red and it was game over really.

“The game changed within the first five minutes of the second half and it was because of two poor decisions.”

The 4-0 defeat came just seven days after last weekend’s 3-1 win against Millwall.

And Browns remains confused by his side’s inconsistent displays.

“We need to get a level of consistency in our performances,” said Brown.

“Last week against Millwall was chalk now the second half here was cheese.”

Blues will now be looking to get back to their best against Oxford United at Roots Hall tomorrow night.

And Brown is keen to ensure the Shrimpers prepare for the important encounter in the best possible fashion.

“Sunday was a big day and so is Monday as we get ready for Tuesday and look to regroup,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“We’ve got two or three coming back who need to step up to the plate and I was also thinking about Tuesday when I brought Adam Barrett and David Mooney off.”

Southend will also head into the clash sitting second from bottom in the League One standings.

But that does not concern Brown at this stage.

“I’ve not looked at the table so far this season,” he added.