SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell attempted to stay upbeat following his side’s opening day defeat to Doncaster Rovers.

The Shrimpers were beaten 3-2 at Roots Hall despite enjoying sustained spells of pressure.

And Powell felt Blues paid the price for not hitting the back of the net when on top.

“Our first half performance warranted a goal and we needed a goal then too because we were very good,” said Powell.

“Their goalkeeper made some exceptional saves and we’ve had 24 strikes on goal in total.

“When you have that many you need to score more than two.

“We put them on the back foot but we didn’t make it count and maybe after the drinks break or half-time we lost some momentum.

“But if we produce that first half performance on a consistent basis we’ll do well and there were loads of positives.

“Everyone is down including me because you want to start well but when you look back, especially at the first half their keeper has had to make six or seven saves.

“But you need to put it in the back of the net or it will bite you.”

After failing to score in the first half, the Shrimpers endured a nightmare start to the second and conceded three soft goals in the space of just 19 minutes.

And Powell was left frustrated by his side’s defending.

“We have a 15 or 20 minutes spell when we weren’t right,” said the Blues boss.

“We were passive and they were poor goals to concede.

“We gave ourselves a real mountain to climb and it was that period which has cost us.

“We shouldn’t have put ourselves in that position and I certainly shouldn’t be standing here talking about a loss.”

However, the Shrimpers did react well to going 3-0 down with goals from Tom Hopper and Theo Robinson setting up an exciting final few minutes.

And Powell was pleased with the spirit shown by his side.

“At 3-0 down they could easily have gone into their shells but it seemed to galvanise them a bit,” said the 48-year-old.

“It’s a 14 man game now and the three lads who came on did well.

“We threw caution to the wind, we got two goals back and could’ve got a third but ultimately we made too many errors at the start of the second half.

“But, although we all wanted to make a good start and don’t want to be playing catch up, this is just one game.”

Blues will now be bidding to bounce back at Plymouth Argyle this weekend.

And Powell will be making the long trip buoyed by Hopper’s debut in attack.

“I thought Tom was excellent,” said Powell.

“He led the line well and was brave. He probably got fouled over 100 times, it was ridiculous.

"He didn’t get much protection but he kept going and that’s the type of player he is.

"He got his reward and could have maybe could one or two more.”