SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown felt his side showed they are genuine League Two title contenders with their display in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at promotion rivals Shrewsbury Town.

The fifth placed Shrimpers seemed set for all three points when Jack Payne fired them in front at the Greenhous Meadow.

But, despite Tyrone Barnett’s late equaliser meaning the game ended all square, Brown remained buoyed by Blues’ performance.

“In the first half we were the better team and for most of the second I thought we were as well,” said the former Hull City chief.

“We got the goal at the right time and they ended up having to change to a 4-2-4 formation with the pressure we were putting them under.

“In the last 15 or 20 minutes they started piling in to our box and unfortunately it led to them getting a goal.

“But I still think the manner of our performance here against a Shrewsbury team who started today top of the league without having lost at home shows that we are real title contenders ourselves.”

The share of the spoils saw the Shrimpers slip four points behind the automatic promotion places.

However, Brown was keen to remain upbeat and pleased to see the recalled Payne get back on the score-sheet.

“Jack has real bottle and he grabbed a hold of the game by the scruff of the neck,” said Brown.

“He put us in front with a fabulous finish and the whole team went to congratulate him after he scored because they’ve also been waiting for him to get himself going again.

“But now Jack has got the shirt it’s up to him to keep it.

Payne’s effort was later cancelled out by substitute Barnett, following a rare mistake from Southend goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

However, Brown felt Barnett still deserved great credit for the finish.

“You can say it was a mistake from the goalkeeper but it was still a great effort from Barnett,” said the Blues boss.

“I thought he made a difference when he came on and we’re coming away disappointed with a point.

“Before the game I would’ve taken a point but not at half-time because I felt the match was there for the taking.

“But we now have two home games in the space of a week to try and get back to winning ways.”