SOUTHEND United crashed out of the Essex Senior Cup at the first attempt for the fourth year season in succession, losing 3-0 at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Blues fielded an under 21 side at Victoria Road.

And coach Kevin Maher was left ruing the Shrimpers' wastefulness in front of goal.

"We had a spell when I thought we were on top in the game but we didn't take the chances that came our way during that time," said Maher.

"We paid the price for that and for also making a mistake at the back.

"It was a disappointing night but I don't think we really deserved to lose 3-0 and I think that flatters Dagenham a little bit to be honest."

Dagenham took the lead in the 36th minute when Joe White headed home Jordy Mongoy's cross.

Chris Assombalonga - the brother of former Blues loanee Britt - doubled the home-side's lead in the 80th minute after good work Tyrique Hyde on the right flank.

Daggers then completed the scoring in the last minute of normal time when White bagged his second goal of the game, tapping home from close range after Hyde had hit the post.

Southend United: Bexon, Bwomono, Matsuzaka, Coutts, Bedford (Yearwood 85), Cotton, Williams, Dias, Kyprianou, Wabo (Walker 71), Salami (Clifford 71)