SOUTHEND United were embarrassed in the Essex Senior Cup tonight, losing 4-2 against Ryman Division One North leaders Harlow Town at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers led 2-1 with 20 minutes of the third round tie remaining, thanks to strikes from Jack Payne and Shaq Coulthirst.

But Harlow hit back to secure a surprise but well deserved success.

They went in front in the 19th minute when a left wing free-kick from Jarod Small was headed home by the prolific Alex Read.

But the air siren celebrating Harlow’s effort had barely ended before Blues drew back level in breathtaking fashion with Payne bagging an excellent individual effort.

The tricky midfielder impressively jinked his way past two men before curling a fine 20 yard shot into the back of the North Bank net via the underside of the crossbar.

Harlow were immediately back on top with Read having a low shot saved by Blues goalkeeper Ted Smith.

That miss soon increased in significance when the Shrimpers took the lead five minutes before the break when Coulthirst fired home a neat, low finish from 12 yards.

At the start of the second half, Isaac Layne saw a low effort pushed to safety by Harlow goalkeeper Edward Thompson and, in the 68th minute, the visitors almost equalised when Read headed against the top of the crossbar.

But, three minutes later, Harlow did draw back level when James Smith volleyed home from the edge of the penalty area.

And, in the 74th minute, the visitors went in front with Read bagging his second of the net and his 24th of the season with a lobbed finish.

Former Blues midfielder David Cowley then completed the scoring five minutes from time with an accurate finish from 12 yards.

The defeat angered Southend’s supporters on social media and so too did the absence of manager Phil Brown who was covering the League Cup tie between Shrewsbury Town and Chelsea for Radio Five Live.

Southend United (4-3-3): T Smith, Jordan Williams, Matsuzaka, Bolger, Farrell, Bridge, Clifford, Payne, Layne, Coulthirst (Johnson 61), Jason Williams (Brown 72)

Subs not used: Bexon, Salami & Cotton