SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell felt his side were beaten by the better team in tonight’s Carabao Cup clash against Brentford.

The Shrimpers were beaten 4-2 by the Championship club at Roots Hall.

And, despite Blues producing an improved second half performance, Powell felt Brentford were worthy winners.

“There was a lot to like in the second half but we were beaten by the better team,” said Powell.

“It was very tough and Brentford are a good side.

“Even though they made changes they have a settled way of playing and we saw that.”

Blues have now suffered eight first round exits in a row in the League Cup.

And Powell was disappointed by the Shrimpers’ slow start to their latest clash in the competition.

“We didn’t make it a cup tie in the first half.

“We just seemed to accept that they are a Championship side and we let them have too much of the ball.

“At half-time I told them to lift the intensity and to get themselves and the crowd going.

“We did that and we got ourselves back in it.”

Theo Robinson brought Blues back level just past the hour mark, only for Brentford to regain the lead two minutes later.

And Powell felt that period was key in determining the outcome of the game.

“It was a big error to concede just after we scored,” said Powell.

“I’ll take nothing away from Brentford and they created some good chances with their movement but we needed to stay in the game for five minutes at 1-1 but it wasn’t to be.”

Brentford quickly extended their lead to make it 3-1 before Blues staged a late fightback.

“At 3-1 Shawn (McCoulsky) got a fantastic finish to put us back in the game,” said Powell.

“The moment for all Southend fans after that was the Michael Klass header we all wanted to go in but it hit the bar and came out.

“At 3-3 it would’ve been interesting but we’re chasing it by then and it ends up 4-2.”

However, Powell has now turned his attention towards this Saturday’s League One clash against Bradford City.

“We’ll focus now on Bradford because we need that first win,” said Powell.

“Cup runs aren’t synonymous with Southend at the moment but let’s hope we can change that in the Checkatrade Trophy and the FA Cup.”