SOUTHEND United fans were left furious after their side’s game at Aldershot was abandoned in comical circumstances yesterday.

A floodlight failure led to the match lasting just 45 minutes.

And Blues supporters were disappointed with Aldershot’s handling of the situation.

“The way it was called off resembled a Christmas pantomime,” said Simon Gallimore, from Eastwood.

“We had one voice coming on to tell us the game was off and then another to tell us no decision had been made.

“We’re talking about a professional Football League club here and that discussion should be taking place among club officials before a final decision is made and then announced.

“There was also no apology which is poor, especially when Southend fans have had to battle through some awful traffic to get here and have also given up their Boxing Day to watch the team.

“It’s just very poor and the way it’s been handled is even worse. I know some people will say it’s a bit of a coincidence that the lights went off when Aldershot were losing an down to 10 men.

“I don’t think they’ve done this on purpose but the way it was handled has left a nasty taste in the mouth and I think the Football League needs to look in to what’s happened.

“It was just a complete joke in the end.”

Southend were winning 1-0 when the floodlights failed with Liam Dickinson slotting home an early penalty.

Shots were also reduced to 10 men as defender Darren Jones was sent off for swinging an arm towards Dickinson in the 39th minute.

As a result, Blues seemed set to record a vital victory.

And that added to the frustration of the fans, with Rayleigh based Wes Fitzgerald another to express his anger.

“It was just a farce,” fumed Fitzgerald.

“We looked nailed on to get the win against an ill disciplined Aldershot side and they must now be feeling they hit the jackpot with the floodlight failure.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Simon Smith who was also unhappy with Aldershot’s handling of the situation.

“The most aggravating thing was the lack of an apology and any kind of professionalism,” said Smith.

“It was just dealt with really badly.”