SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock insisted his side were gutted to have only drawn with Brentford in Saturday's FA Cup third round tie at Roots Hall.

Blues fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 and secure a replay at Griffin Park.

But Sturrock insisted the players were disappointed not to have already progressed in to the fourth round of the competition.

“The players are gutted to have drawn because they feel the chances were there to win the game for them,” said Sturrock.

“Gavin Tomlin had a few good opportunities, Barry Corr had a header from a free kick and we had one or two others that just flashed wide so we did have the opportunities to get the victory.

“However, creating those chances shows we played well and we also showed that the side are made from stern stuff because coming from 2-0 down against a team as good as Brentford really does take some doing, especially when you've lost your last two games.

Blues got back level thanks to two well taken headers from Barry Corr.

And Sturrock was also pleased to see the Irishman back on the score-sheet.

“Baz had been through a tough time with his injuries and confidence as well so it was good for him to get a couple of goals,” said Sturrock.

“At the moment he can't do the things he used to do but that will come the more he plays and I didn't see a problem with his second goal.

“I know Brentford felt it was offside but I thought one of their defenders was lazy coming out at the back post.

“There were some of our players in an offside position but I don't think Baz was one of them.”

Corr's controversial header means the two teams will do battle again in West London next week.

And Sturrock expects that to be an even tougher task for his team.

“Brentford are a good League One side who are right in the race for promotion so going there will be difficult,” said the Scotsman.

“But I don't think it looked like there was a whole league between the two teams on Saturday and if we can take more of our chances in the replay then you never know what might happen.”