SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown slammed his defence and felt they 'went missing' during Saturday's disappointing 4-2 defeat at Stevenage.

Second half goals from Joe Pigott and Barry Corr had put the Shrimpers 2-1 ahead at Broadhall Way.

But three goals in the final 16 minutes saw Blues suffer a second successive defeat and left Brown fuming at the final whistle.

“It's a really bitter pill to have to swallow,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“When we were 2-1 up with 60 minutes on the clock it was looking like a comfortable away victory but defensively we went missing after that.

“To give away bad, silly, soft goals like we did is just unacceptable.

“We gifted them all four goals and it's just inexcusable so I'll be making more changes against Carlisle this weekend.”

Brown made six alterations to the starting line-up at Stevenage and selected Adam Barrett and Cian Bolger at the heart of the back four.

But the Blues chief felt his team selection and substitutions, which were heavily criticised by sections of the supporters, was not to blame for the result.

And he instead chose to criticise the mentality of the side.

“You can say what you want about the substitutions, you can talk about systems, personnel, people on the bench and people in the stands but it was the mentality of the group that wasn't right at the end,” said Brown.

“Either side of a 20 minute spell just after half-time we didn't play the conditions or the surface either.

“We didn't do enough to win the game and it was a poor day at the office for us.”

However, Brown – whose fifth placed side are now five points below the automatic promotion places – admitted the game could have ended differently had substitute Jake Cassidy not wasted a great chance to net his first Shrimpers goal when the score was 2-2.

“Jake had for me what was the best chance of the game and who knows what might have happened if that went in,” said the 55-year-old.

“He's six yards out and misses and we finish the game making bad decisions to lose 4-2.”

That was largely down to the impact made by Stevenage substitute Ben Kennedy.

And Brown admitted his side did not know how to contain the speedy teenage striker.

“Their subs made a difference and when they brought on the big fella Zola and the lad Kennedy with a bit of pace we couldn't deal with it,” said Brown.

“I also felt as though Stevenage wanted it more than us.

“We need to get back to basics, work hard and make it more difficult for the opposition because if the players don't learn from these things then they will be playing at this level and lower for the rest of their careers.

“But there are always defining moments in seasons and I want this to be one of them.”