SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown was left devastated by his side’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat at AFC Wimbledon.

The Shrimpers were seen off 4-2 on penalties after being held to a 2-2 draw at the Kingsmeadow Stadium on Tuesday night.

But Brown felt Blues should have convincingly won the game within 90 minutes.

“It should never have gone to penalties and I just can’t make excuses anymore, we’re not scoring enough goals,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“We must have had about 35 or 30 shots in the game and to come away losing is just unthinkable and unforgiveable.

“I’m devastated as well because this was a great chance to get ourselves back on track ahead of the two home games we have coming up.”

Blues were also playing against 10 men for more than 70 minutes after Dons midfielder Harry Pell was sent off for a poorly timed tackle on David Worrall.

And they appeared to be heading to be heading in to the second round of the competition when Jack Payne bagged his first two goals for the club.

However, ex Southend skipper Adam Barrett bagged a last gasp effort to take the tie to penalties where the hosts won 4-2.

But Brown was still full of praise for Payne’s involvement in the match.

“Jack epitomises what we want and need,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“He has that tenacity and the I will not be beaten mentality which we need more of.”