SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown maintains the Shrimpers are not a dirty side, despite them being shown another red card in Saturday's 2-1 win at Portsmouth.

Barry Corr's late dismissal, for a second bookable offence, made it five red cards in the last eight games for Blues.

But Brown remains unconcerned and felt the Irishman was unfortunate to be dismissed.

“The free-kick that led to the first booking is dubious because Barry's just turned round and the ball has hit his hand,” said Brown.

“For him to then go on and get sent off was the only real down side of the game but I still wouldn't say we're an ill disciplined team.

“We're just making poor game management decisions but the decisions going against us are harsh.

“I don't know if the officials are micro managing me or my team but we've had three red cards in our last four games now and the players do need to learn.

“However, we haven't actually lost any of those matches, so maybe it's the secret to our recent success!”

Corr came off the bench in the 69th minute and lasted just 20 minutes in attack before being dismissed.

His first caution came for kicking the ball away while his second was for a foul on Danny Hollands.

And the striker will now miss Saturday's clash against York City with a one match ban which Brown believes will hurt Corr the most.

“When you get suspended you take yourself out of the firing line and you find it hard to get back involved,” said the 55-year-old.

“Luke Prosser has found himself on the touchline after a silly red card at Northampton and that's what happens.

“Once you're in you have to stay in at all costs but once you're out it's going to be very hard to get back in with the squad we have here now.”

However, Corr's late red card did not change the outcome of the game.

And Brown was delighted to reward Blues' terrific away support, of more than 1,2000, with another win on the road.

“I'm delighted for the supporters,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“I can't afford to buy them all a pint but this is for them.

“The travelling fans have been fantastic all season and I'm sure they are delighted with the result, just like we all are.”