SOUTHEND United returned to action with a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Altrincham this afternoon.

Blues were without a fixture last weekend due to their elimination from the FA Cup.

But the rest did little for the Shrimpers who were below their best in a frustrating clash at the J Davidson Stadium.

Despite those deficiencies, Southend striker Harry Cardwell missed two good chances when the game was still goalless.

And the visitors were ultimately made to pay as Justin Amaluzor and Justin Donawa both scored from close range to condemn Blues to their first league defeat since September.

The Shrimpers came into the clash unbeaten in their last seven league games and threatened early on with Daniel Kanu seeing an effort blocked in front of goal before Jack Bridge curled a shot straight at Altrincham goalkeeper Ethan Ross.

In reply, Elliot Osborne sent a long range shot wide of the left post for Altrincham before top scorer Chris Conn-Clarke saw a low 20 yard shot smartly saved by David Martin down to his right hand side.

Martin returned to the starting line-up after recovering from a hamstring issue, meaning Nick Hayes returned to Ipswich Town upon the completion of his loan deal.

And the experienced shot-stopper soon saw a dangerous right wing cross from Conn-Clarke fizz across his six yard box before gathering a low, left-footed shot from Eddy Jones.

But, after surviving the scares, Southend hit back and should have taken the lead in the 38th minute when a fine left wing cross from Jack Bridge found the head of Harry Cardwell, only for the striker to head wide of the left post.

However, Altrincham then also came close to breaking the deadlock when a low, left wing cross from Amaluzor seemed destined to be tapped home at the far post by Alex Newby but Nathan Ralph somehow got back to make a brilliant sliding block.

At the start of the second half, Robins’ striker Conn-Clarke fired over before Newby sent a low shot straight at Martin when well-placed.

With play switching back to the other end of the field, Cardwell saw a 12 yard shot tipped over by Ross after neatly controlling a right wing cross from Oli Coker.

But the in-form hosts stood strong and went in front in the 58th minute, with Amaluzor on target for the third time in four league games.

Newby was picked out in the right hand side of the penalty area before delivering a low cross into the path of Amaluzor who brought the ball under control before tapping home from close range.

In a bid to fight back, Blues boss Kevin Maher made his first change of the game with Dan Mooney coming on against his former club in place of Wes Fonguck.

The Shrimpers then saw Kanu have a shot from a narrow angle tipped wide of the target by Ross before the on loan Charlton Athletic forward headed Gus Scott-Morriss' cross wide of the right post.

But Blues were unable to break through before Altrincham sealed their win late on with substitute Donawa on target from the left hand side of the penalty area two minutes from time.

The visitors were immediately forced into a second change with Jack Wood replacing the injured Kanu before Mooney saw a swerving shot parried out by Ross.

However, fifth placed Altrincham stood strong to stretch their unbeaten run in the league to 10 games.