RYAN Leonard admitted Southend United were below par in their 1-1 draw against struggling Port Vale on Saturday.

A late Anthony Wordsworth equaliser rescued a share of the spoils for the Shrimpers at Roots Hall.

But Leonard felt Blues’ performance was not worthy of all three points.

“It’s disappointing and we just weren’t at it,” said the midfielder.

“Our passing was nowhere near good enough and we didn’t play to the standard we know we can.

“Port Vale deserved a point and we didn’t deserve to win but we will have to try and put it right next week now.”

Seventh placed Blues will make the trip to Bristol Rovers four points below the play-off positions following Millwall’s 2-1 win against MK Dons.

However, Leonard is still confident the Shrimpers can secure a top six finish.

“We’ve still got a great chance,” said the 24-year-old.

“We’ve been on a hell of a run just recently and we can do it again.

“I definitely feel as though we can get the six or seven victories we need to end up the play-offs at the end of the season.”

And Leonard was also buoyed by the spirit the Shrimpers showed after Chris Eagles headed Vale in front with 12 minutes to go.

“We have the togetherness and spirit and we showed that by coming back to get the equaliser,” said the midfielder.

“We were only behind for five minutes or so and we thought we might go on and get the winner after scoring but unfortunately that didn’t happen.”

The Shrimpers will now be looking to get back to winning ways at Bristol Rovers but boss Phil Brown is uncertain if striker Nile Ranger will recover from a groin strain in time to play.

“I don’t know how long Nile will be out but he was nowhere near being fit for Saturday,” said Brown.