SOUTHEND United suffered their second defeat to Barnet in the space of five days this afternoon.

Blues were beaten 2-0 by the Bees at Roots Hall on Boxing Day.

And Kevin Maher’s side were unable to get their own back at the Hive as a late header from Adebola Oluwo secured another victory for Dean Brennan’s side.

The Shrimpers – who were roared on by a superb away following of more than 1,700 fans – posed more problems in the second half but were unable to score against the Bees for the second time in quick succession.

At the other end of the field, Barnet threatened first with Dale Gorman neatly controlling a pass from Zak Brunt before seeing his close range shot blocked by advancing Blues goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi.

Goalscoring opportunities remained in short supply before the game was held up for around seven minutes following an injury to the assistant referee who left was eventually helped away from the pitch in a wheelchair.

In a bid to liven up proceedings, Blues boss Kevin Maher made a double change in the 58th minute with new signing James Morton coming on for his debut in midfield after replacing Oli Coker in the centre of the park.

The second change came further forward with Brooklyn Kabongolo coming on for Mauro Vilhete and lining up alongside Henry Sandat in attack.

Shortly after the alterations, Wes Fonguck saw a cross-shot from the left hand side pushed away by Barnet goalkeeper Laurie Walker in unconvincing fashion.

However, Blues remained on top and soon came close to opening the scoring when a brilliant pass from Henry Sandat sent Kabongolo through on goal, only for the makeshift striker to see his shot blocked by the advancing Walker.

The Shrimpers made a third change in the 75th minute with Jack Wood coming on for Sandat and the striker soon fired a well-struck effort over the crossbar from the left hand side of the penalty area.

Moments later, Noor Husin sent a low 20 yard shot wide of the left post before Wes Fonguck’s effort from a similar effort was easily held by Walker down to his left hand side.

But, after surviving the scares, Barnet hit back and bagged what proved to be the only goal of the game six minutes from time with Adebola Oluwo heading a long right wing throw from Jordan Cropper into the top left hand corner of the net.

The Shrimpers rallied with shouts for a penalty waved away before Wood and Bridge both saw shots blocked in the ensuing goal mouth scramble.

Barnet hit back with substitute Idris Kanu seeing his shot blocked by Andeng Ndi when clean through on goal but a second goal was not needed as Blues ended 2023 win frustrating fashion.