SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell was frustrated to see his side held to a 1-1 draw at Blackpool.

Clark Robertson’s strike in first half stoppage time cancelled out Marc-Antoine Fortune’s opener for Blues.

But Powell was disappointed to see the Shrimpers’ winless run stretch to four matches.

“We haven’t won for a little while now and that bugs me,” said Powell.

“After the first minute when they clipped the bar we got ourselves in the game.

“We got ahead and had a period where if we got a second goal it would have got us going.

It was a patchy game and Mark Oxley has made some outstanding saves but we could have won it at the end with Jason Demetriou hitting the post.”

However, the Shrimpers had to settle for a third successive draw in a game which saw Powell take off striker Simon Cox at half-time due to fears he might be red carded.

Cox was shown an early yellow card for dissent and received a final warning from referee Andy Haines after a foul on Blackpool defender Curtis Tilt which ultimately led to Powell making an early change.

“Coxy got booked and he pulled out of the challenge for the second to protect himself,” explained Powell.

“There was another incident after that but I could hear all the comments and I thought this is going to end one way.

“I got nervous for him. I didn’t want to do it but I could just envisage him going off after an innocuous challenge so I thought it was the best thing to do.”

Cox was replaced in attack by Theo Robinson who had previously played just seven minutes since Powell’s arrival.

It’s been tough for Theo but he’s trained well,” explained Powell.

“He’s looked sharp and got goals in training.

“He hasn’t got his head down when he’s been left out which I like so I gave him a chance.”

At the other end of the field, John White returned in place of the unwell Anton Ferdinand.

And Powell was full of praise for the defender.

“I think John White is a top player and I’m not afraid to say it,” said Powell.

“He’s only really trained with the team Thursday and Friday but he slotted in like he’s played the last six games.

“It’s testament to him and his character.”