SOUTHEND United defender Adam Thompson claimed Oxford United striker Danny Hylton apologised for the way he won a penalty in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers had to settle for a share of the spoils after Hylton's spot-kick cancelled out Jack Payne's opener.

But Thompson slammed the decision, which was given for a foul by Luke Prosser on Hylton, as embarrasing.

“There was a question about the penalty and I thought he dived if I'm honest,” said Thompson.

“He's actually apologised to Luke Prosser after it happened because it was a bit embarrasing the way he went down.

“He's admitted it wasn't a penalty but at the moment those things aren't going for us.”

Hylton also converted the spot-kick which was given in the 67th minute of the match.

And the striker changed his story at the end of the game, insisting he was fouled by Prosser.

“It was a penalty, he's clipped me,” said Hylton.

“There was enough contact for me to go down, especially when you're running at speed.”

Hylton's effort made it five games without a win for the Shrimpers.

However, Thompson is still confident the team will soon get their season back on track.

“We're six games in and it's early days but the results will come if we keep on playing well,” said Thompson.

“We just need to keep on doing what we're doing and hope the little things go for us. “There's not much wrong and I hope the fans can see that.

“There was a bit of booing around the stadium at the end but I hope that was just because of their frustration not because of how we played.

“But we will keep our heads high and we will go again. No-one will shy away from anything and we're all good characters.”

Thompson flew out to Serbia straight after Saturday's game to link up with Northern Ireland's under 21 squad for their game tomorrow night.

But he will be back in time for Saturday's game with Portsmouth and is desperate to keep his place in the starting line-up having missed out to Cian Bolger at the start of the season.

“In pre-season I thought I was playing well but then a player came in and you have to deal with that in football,” said Thompson.

“I was disappointed to be left out but I've just worked hard since then. I've kept going to get back in the team and it's paid off.

“Hopefully I can keep it going now and stay in the team.”