HIGHLY-RATED Southend United hot-shot Charlie Kelman continued his free-scoring start to the season but was still left feeling frustrated.

Kelman’s third goal in four games was not enough to stop Blues’ under-18 side suffering a 3-2 defeat against Stevenage on Saturday.

And the forward was gutted the Shrimpers slipped to their first setback of the season.

“It was disappointing,” said Kelman.

“In the first half we weren’t good enough and we didn’t get stuck in but in the second half we came out fighting.

“We got a goal and we were on the front foot, which is what mattered. But we couldn’t close it out and it’s been the same for the past few weeks.

“There has been some complacency in the team but once we sort that out we’ll start creeping up the league.”

And the final scoreline also meant Kelman took little satisfaction from his goal.

“It was another goal but it’s not all about me, it’s about the team,” said Kelman.

“I’ll keep on scoring goals but it’s the results I care about because I’m a winner.

“I want to win and I want the team to win, and that’s all that matters.

“We all want to win and we came out with some fire.”

Stevenage opened the scoring in the 19th minute with Dillon O’Donnell on target before the visitors doubled their lead with Jack Smith netting 11 minutes before the break.

Immediately after the restart, Kelman fired home a delightful pass from Sam Brogan and in the 69th minute the Shrimpers drew back level when Stevenage defender Jamie Gill headed Jon Benton’s cross into his own net.

A resurgent Blues had victory in their sights but it was Stevenage who bagged the winning goal in the 78th minute, with Jack Draper heading home.

Blues: Seaden, Chandler, Osimeh, Brogan (Mpangea 87), Mitchell-Nelson, Knock, Stewart, Benton, Kelman, Egbri, Rush (Eastwood, 82)

Subs not used: Taylor & Wallace