SOUTHEND United remain below zero after slumping to a 2-1 defeat at Bromley this afternoon.

Just three days on from a morale-boosting success against Eastleigh, the Shrimpers produced a flat-looking performance which handed the hosts their first win of the season.

And the setback also kept Blues on minus one point at the foot of the National League table.

The Shrimpers – who were docked 10 points after failing to pay off a tax debt – saw Gus Scott-Morriss slice an early effort over the crossbar from 25 yards before being forced to withstand a short spell of pressure from the hosts.

Southend responded with four corners in quick succession before they gifted Bromley the lead in the 18th minute as Kevin Maher’s side were again punished after unsuccessfully playing out from the back.

Blues goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi opted to play a short pass into the path of Harry Taylor who tried to move the ball back to Andeng Ndi, only for Louis Dennis to intercept and score with a simple finish into a gaping goal.

The error was similar to one the Shrimpers also committed against Dorking Wanderers earlier this month and saw the visitors concede the first goal of a game for the first time this season.

Blues were soon caught in possession again when Sam Woods won the ball off Wes Fonguck before teeing up Jude Arthurs whose dangerous right-wing cross was well cleared by Scott-Morriss.

The second half was delayed in starting due to an issue with a corner flag but once it began it was the hosts who threatened first with Ben Krauhaus curling a 20 yard shot over the crossbar.

In reply, Dan Mooney and Scott-Morriss both saw shots blocked by defenders in quick succession before Bromley doubled their lead in the 55th minute.

A long ball forward from Byron Webster found Michael Cheek who brought the ball under control before sending a low, left footed shot from 20 yards via the inside of the right post.

However, the Shrimpers were immediately able to get back into the game as a left-wing corner from Mooney dropped to Husin who scored with a powerful effort which took a slight deflection on its way into the right hand side of the net.

Husin then saw a downward header from Jack Bridge’s left wing cross easily saved by Grant Smith before Blues made their first change of the game in the 61st minute with Oli Coker replacing Fonguck in midfield.

Ten minutes later, Jack Wood replaced Mooney in behind Cardwell before Jason Demetriou came on for an injured looking Scott-Morriss 10 minutes from time.

Following the alterations, Coker saw a goalbound shot blocked before Wood failed to make the most of a fine opportunity as his low shot was kept out by Smith low down to his right hand side.

Moments later, a left wing cross from Bridge also dropped to Wood at the far post but his close range shot was deflected wide in the final action of the game.