SOUTHEND United coach Kevin Maher was left ruing a host of missed chances after his Shrimpers under 23 side were beaten 1-0 at Portsmouth in the Premier League Cup this evening.

Conor Chaplin's seventh minute goal saw Portsmouth secure victory but only after Blues failed to convert a succession of opportunities, much to the frustration of Maher.

"The biggest disappointment was being unable to convert the chances we created and not being able to work the goalkeeper more either," said Maher.

"I couldn't fault the effort or the application of the lads but the finishing touch wasn't there which was was obviously frustrating.

"We started slowly and conceded quite early on from a corner which was also disappointed but after about 20 minutes we got going.

"In the second half I thought we looked like the team most likely to score but unfortunately we couldn't make that pressure count."

Blues came close to scoring midway through the first half when Norman Wabo fired inches wide before being denied by Bass when clean through on goal.

After the break, Shrimpers skipper Dan Matsuzaka just failed to connect with Harry Phillips' cross before Phillips saw a deflected effort bounce back off the post.

Blues defender Harry Kyprianou then wasted a good chance late on before Portsmouth's Chaplin sent an injury time spot-kick against the crossbar after he was fouled by Dru Yearwood.

Southend United: Smith, Bwomono, Coutts, Matsuzaka, Kyprianou, Batlokwa (Marah 83), Bedford (Phillips 59), Yearwood, Klass, Cotton, Wabo Subs not used: Bishop, Clifford & Clark