SOUTHEND United skipper John White refused to blame the terrible conditions on his side’s shock 2-1 defeat at struggling Mansfield Town on Saturday.

The game at the One Call Stadium was played in an incredibly strong wind making it hard to play much football.

But White still felt the Shrimpers should have been able to perform far better against the Stags who had not won at home since September.

“The conditions were far from ideal and it did make it hard but it was the same for both teams so we’re not going to use that as an excuse for this defeat,” said White, 27.

“We did struggle in the first half and found it hard to get out of our half at times.

“All round it was just a very frustrating and disappointing day because we should have been to come here and do a job.”

However, Blues were far from their best against the Stags and sunk to a disappointing defeat after conceding two sloppy goals.

And White, who was taken off just past the hour mark after struggling at right-back, was baffled by the below par display.

“I don’t know why we played like this but I don’t think you can say it’s down to the attitude of the lads because that’s always spot on,” said White.

“I would like to have a look back at one or two things before analysing everything properly because it’s still quite early to be making judgments on the game.

“I missed the second goal for instance because I had just been substituted so we will all have to learn from this defeat and make sure we improve in the games we have coming up.”

Blues now have two home games in succession as they host Exeter City and Hartlepool United in the space of four days and White is demanding an immediate return to form.

“We have two big home games coming up now and we need to get back to winning ways in them and get ourselves up the table again,” added White.