SOUTHEND United skipper John White felt half-time came at the wrong time for the Shrimpers against Burton Albion on Saturday.

Blues were on top just before the break at Roots Hall as they fought back a goal down to lead 2-1 And White felt Southend could have done with longer at that stage.

“We showed great belief and character and we looked like we were going to score a few more at that time of the game,” said the defender.

“I think half-time probably came at the wrong time for us really because it enabled Burton to regroup a little bit.

“We still had the chances late on to take it to extra time but the breaks just didn’t go our way and we’re all devastated at the moment.

“It’s very hard to take but Burton played it well, they played the ref and slowed it down when they could which made it quite frustrating.”

Adam McGurk’s second half strike, which White described as fortuitous due to the way it fell in to the striker’s path secured the Brewers a 2-2 draw and a place in the play-off final against Fleetwood Town.

Blues will now look to regroup before the start of the new season.

And White is hoping for a strong reaction from the Shrimpers.

“We’ve stuck together all season and we need to do that again and come back well from this disappointment,” said the full-back.

“We have a very young squad and this will be a big learning curve for them.

“The experienced lads need to help them and we need to go again next season and use this in the right way.

“We could hear all the noise and the celebrations from their changing room at the end of the game and we want that to be us next season now.”