SOUTHEND United’s under 21 coach Kevin Maher was left ruing his side’s failure to in front of goal following a 3-2 defeat against Peterborough United this afternoon.
The Shrimpers failed to convert a whole host of clear cut chances and also netted two own goals as Posh came out on top at Boots & Laces to leave Maher feeling frustrated.
“We had enough chances to score five or six goals,” said Maher.
“They weren’t half chances either, they were real clear-cut opportunities and we should have scored more.
Firing home - David Mooney
“But when you don’t take the chances then you leave yourself susceptible to concede at the other end which is what happened.
“We played some good stuff to create the chances and could have won by a big score-line but it’s a learning curve for these players and the higher you go the more clinical you have to be otherwise you won’t win games.”
David Mooney was on target for Blues along with Harry Phillips who netted a last minute penalty in the under 21s last competitive game of the season.
But, despite the defeat, Maher remains happy with his first full campaign in the job.
“It’s been good,” said the former Shrimpers midfielder.
“We’ve had some very good performances but there are still things to work on.
“However, overall I’ve been very pleased.”
Going close - Joe Bedford saw this close range shot saved
Southend went behind early on against Posh when Brad Inman fired the visitors in front before Norman Wabo wasted a good chance to equalise, heading Mooney’s right wing cross wide of the right post from close range.
Wabo was then denied by Peterborough goalkeeper Jack Rose when clean through on goal before Mooney brought Blues back level in the 56th minute, slamming home a cross from Phillips.
Joe Bedford then saw a six yard shot saved by Rose when also clean through before Posh regained the lead through a Jordan Williams own goal.
The Shrimpers somehow failed to draw back level when Jack Bridge’s low 20 yard shot struck both posts before Nico Cotton also fired the rebound against the woodwork.
Off the post - Nico Cotton struck the right upright
But an own goal from Blues goalkeeper Harry Seaden then made sure of Peterborough’s victory despite Phillips scoring a last minute penalty after Harry Kyprianou had been brought down by Rose.
Southend United: Seaden, Jordan Williams, Matsuzaka, Coutts, Kyprianou, Bridge, Bedford, Batlokwa (Cotton), Phillips, Mooney, Wabo (Walker)
Subs not used: Salami, Bwomono & Yearwood
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article