Timlin apologises for poor Shots display (From Echo)

Timlin apologises for poor Shots display

9:15pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

SOUTHEND United midfielder Michael Timlin has apologised for his side’s poor performance at Aldershot Town on Tuesday night.

Blues failed to have a single shot on target during the 2-0 defeat at the EBB Stadium.

And that left Timlin feeling frustrated.

“I’d like to say sorry to the gaffer, Cocko (Graham Coughlan), the chairman and most importantly the fans because we were shocking,” said Timlin, 26.

“We needed to match Aldershot’s energy because they had a second chance in this game and were always going to be up for it.

“But we just weren’t good enough.”

Timlin also felt the same way about Southend’s mental approach to the game.

And he believes Blues expected the match to be easier than it was actually was.

“You don’t realise it until you get out there and everyone would’ve said they were up for the game but maybe we didn’t think it was going to be as tough as it actually was,” said Timlin.

“I think it came down to attitude as well.

“Both teams played a similar style but they did it 10 times better than us.

“They just wanted it more and I’m not going to make any excuses.”

The disappointing defeat pushed Southend down to third in the League Two table.

But Blues have a chance to bounce back to winning ways at Morecambe on Saturday and Timlin is demanding an immediate improvement.

“It’s a massive match and we have to make sure we stay in the top three to mean business,” said Timlin.

“We will need men out there and not boys because Morecambe are a very good, physical side.

“We will have to show the right attitude and mentality and will have to play for each other too.”

Southend manager Paul Sturrock also wants a return to winning ways at Morecambe.

And he has again threatened to make changes.

“Some players have had several opportunities now and have come up short,” said Sturrock.

“This inconsistency just can’t be tolerated any longer and we need a change in personnel.”