SOUTHEND United’s lack of cutting edge saw them slip to a 1-0 defeat against Swindon Town at Roots Hall this afternoon.

With the game still goalless, Jack Payne and Noel Hunt both missed great chances to fire the Shrimpers in front.

And Phil Brown’s side – who have now not scored four games – were made to pay the price when Fabien Robert fired home for the Robins midway through the second half.

Swindon had also threatened early on with Nathan Byrne having a 20 yard shot parried to safety by Southend goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

But Blues soon hit back with the recalled Noel Hunt heading David Worrall’s left wing cross just wide of the right post.

Moments later, Worrall collected a fine cross-field pass from John White before in cutting in off the left flank and firing a 25 yard shot wide of the left upright, The Robins soon hit back with Fabien Robert curling a low, long range shot just past the right post but neither side were able to make a breakthrough before half-time.

Immediately after the break, Blues threatened with the ball breaking in the box for Hunt but his low shot was smothered by Swindon goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux at the second attempt.

But, with 52 minutes on the clock, the Shrimpers wasted a golden opportunity when Hunt headed down Worrall’s left wing cross into the path of Jack Payne.

However, the on-rushing midfielder could only send his 12 yard shot wide of the left post when he should have done far better.

Blues soon wasted another great chance to score when a good move down the left half side resulted in Ben Coker delivering a dangerous cross which struck Hunt four yards from goal before looping up into the air for Vigouroux to collect.

The missed opportunity immediately increased in significance too as Swindon struck back to break the deadlock in their very next move as Nathan Byrne teed up Robert who got in behind Coker to fire home with an accurate left footed shot from 12 yards.

Shrimpers boss Phil Brown responded to going behind by making two changes in the 72nd minute as Anthony Wordsworth replaced Michael Timlin and Myles Weston took the place of Will Atkinson.

Weston almost netted an equaliser when his firm header from Worrall’s right wing cross was superbly tipped over by Vigouroux before Blues made their final change six minutes from time with Joe Pigott replacing Adam Barrett.

And Pigott almost grabbed the Shrimpers a late share of the spoils but his well struck eight yard shot was parried to safety by Vigouroux to complete a frustrating afternoon back in League One for Blues.