SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Daniel Bentley was left gutted after his stunning showing at Walsall went unrewarded on Saturday.

Bentley made a series of fine saves before finally being beaten by Jordy Hiwula two minutes from time.

And, despite his man of the match display, the 22-year-old shot-stopper was left dejected by the 1-0 defeat.

“I’m absolutely devastated,” said Bentley.

“We defended for our lives at times and soaked up a lot of pressure.

“So to come away from here with nothing is a bitter pill to swallow and we’re all gutted to have lost.”

Bentley heroics – which saw him make nine fine saves – appeared to have secured the Shrimpers a share of the spoils before the Saddlers bagged a late winner.

However, the custodian was keen to deflect any plaudits coming his way.

“It was nice to have a bit to do and I’m goalkeeper so I love saving shots but the credit shouldn’t just go to me it should go to everyone who worked so hard defensively,” said Bentley.

“Everyone was putting their head and body in the way of things and everyone really put in a shift in so we’re all so disappointed to have lost.”

Walsall’s late winner came when Hiwula headed home a late Kieron Morris corner.

And Bentley was not too sure whether or not the striker’s effort had crossed the goal-line after crashing against the underside of the crossbar.

“It was a difficult one for me to see but I’m not sure whether or not the linesman can say it’s definitely over the line,” said the Wickford based keeper.

“From my angle it was hard to tell whether or not the ball was over the line because it was two or three foot in the air.

“But it was given and we lost the game because of it.”

The defeat made it just one win in six games for the Shrimpers who also slipped down to 13th in the League One table.

And Bentley remains disappointed by how Blues have fallen away from the play-off places.

“I never expected us to fall away like this if I’m honest, “said the former Bromfords School pupil.

“It’s really disappointing because we’ve been there or thereabouts all season but we haven’t been able to clear the final hurdle.

“We still have four games left though and we want to win them all.

“We will play for the badge and play for pride so we’ll keep working hard.

“Nobody is on the beach and thinking about holidays and you could see that here.

“We gave it everything we’ve got and we will continue to do so.”

After that, attention will immediately turn to next season.

But it remains unclear whether or not Bentley will stay with the Shrimpers beyond the end of the current campaign when his contract expires.

“I’ll have to wait and see what happens,” said Bentley.

“My agent and I are in talks with the club.

“Like the gaffer said in the press a few days ago they will be making an offer to me but I have to weigh up what my situation is.

“I want to play at the highest level and I think every footballer would say the same.”