SOUTHEND United were left counting the cost of Bilel Mohsni’s latest moment of madness as they crashed out of the FA Cup at Oldham Athletic tonight.

The French winger was sent off seven minutes before half-time after being shown two yellow cards in a second round replay at a blustery Boundary Park.

And, after Mohsni’s second dismissal of the season, the Latics went on to win 1-0 and secure a lucrative trip to Liverpool in January.

Blues were more than a match for their League One hosts with 11 men and came close to scoring in the 16th minute when Mohsni cut in off the left flank and unleashed a well struck 30 yard shot which Oldham goalkeeper Alex Cisak tipped over the crossbar.

Two minutes later, the recalled Neil Harris also came close to scoring from long range as his left footed effort was pushed around the right post by Cisak before Mark Phillips headed over the resulting Peter Gilbert corner.

Oldham hit back in the 24th minute with Zander Diamond heading Taylor’s deep free-kick just inches past the right post and Dean Furman then unleashed a swerving 30 yard shot which was easily kept out by Blues’ on loan keeper Luke Daniels.

Southend immediately hit back with Harris having an eight yard header impressively palmed to safety by Cisak but the hosts also pushed forward with Luca Scapuzzi volleying straight at Daniels from the edge of the penalty area.

But, having survived the scare, Blues suffered a huge blow in the 38th minute when Mohsni was sent off after being shown a second yellow card by referee Gary Sutton.

The fiery Frenchman picked up his first caution after 22 minutes for a late tackle on Oldham right-back Kieran Lee and he was then given his marching orders seven minutes before the break for another mistimed and needless challenge on Furman.

After the red card, Harris reverted on to the left flank with Blair Sturrock leading the line alone.

And Oldham almost made the most of their numerical advantage right at the start of the second when Lee tapped home from six yards after Daniels had failed to hold a low volley from Taylor but the effort was ruled out for offside.

However, the let off was only temporary as the Latics went in front in the 58th minute when Shefki Kuqi burst in to the left hand side of the penalty area.

His cross was then chested down by James Wesolowski, enabling Taylor to send a half volley in to the roof of the net from eight yards.

Southend were then forced in to their first change of the evening with Luke Prosser replacing injured captain Chris Barker at centre-back before Ryan Hall also entered the action in place of Ryan Leonard in the 69th minute.

Kane Ferdinand then also came on for Harris but the trio of new faces were unable to stop Southend suffering a third successive defeat.