SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown labelled Burton Albion as lucky winners following his side’s 1-0 defeat at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday.

Luke Prosser’s second half own goal condemned the Shrimpers to their first reverse of the season on the road.

And Brown felt the Brewers were fortunate to have come out on top.

“I certainly wouldn’t mind having a slice of Burton’s luck because I honestly feel as though the best team lost here,” said the 56-year-old.

“It was a good away performance from us and we really threw the kitchen sink at them.

“Joe Pigott and David Mooney both had clear cut chances to score and David had one in the first half as well.

“But to be denied a point or three by a scuffed shot which is squirming wide until it hits one of my defenders is disappointing and pretty tough to take.”

The defeat saw the Shrimpers slip down to 11th in the League One table.

And Brown insisted a slow start to the second half and the difference between the two team’s strikers ultimately led to his side returning home empty handed.

“We didn’t come out of the traps at the start of the second half and that’s cost us the game in the end,” said the Blues boss.

“In Stuart Beavon, Burton also have someone who makes a difference up top.

“For me he was the best striker in League Two last year and he’s a real handful.

“He can hold the ball up and when it goes up to him it sticks. “But when it went up to our two strikers it wasn’t as solid and we didn’t have that guaranteed possession.”

Burton, who were promoted alongside Blues from League Two last season, were therefore able to continue their superb start to the new campaign.

And Brown was full of praise for their resilience.

“Burton find a way to win games and they’ve done that here against us,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“There’s a reason why they’re top and we’re not and it’s down to game management which is something we need to work on.”