SOUTHEND United wasted a huge opportunity to close the gap on table topping Burton Albion after suffering a sickening 2-1 defeat at the Pirelli Stadium tonight.

The Shrimpers started the second half with a 1-0 lead and an extra man after Brewers midfielder Robbie Weir was dismissed just before the break.

But Blues, who saw Barry Corr also miss a first half penalty, crumbled in the second half and, after some bizarre substitutions from boss Phil Brown, Burton fought back to secure all three points with Nasser El Khayati bagging a last minute winner to leave Southend six points below the automatic promotion places.

The Shrimpers had previously dictated the first half with Corr having an early header from Ben Coker’s left wing cross tipped over by goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.

Immediately after that half chance and, with 13 minutes on the clock, Burton were forced in to making their first change of the night as winger Callum Reilly limped off and was replaced on the left hand side by Matty Palmer.

However, Southend remained on top and continued to threaten with the in-form Corr having a well struck left footed shot from 18 yards parried to safety by McLaughlin.

Moments later, Joe Pigott’s close range header from John White’s right wing cross was deflected wide of the left post by Brewers’ centre-back Shane Cansdell-Sheriff before Blues wasted a golden to take the lead in the 22nd minute when Corr failed to convert a penalty.

The spot kick was given, perhaps softly, by referee James Linington, after Luke Prosser’s shirt was pulled by John Mousinho at the far post as the centre-back attempted to reach a deep, right wing corner from Kevan Hurst.

But Corr was unable to make the most of the opportunity as his low spot-kick was tipped onto the inside of the left post by McLaughlin before the ball agonisingly rolled across the goal-line and past the opposite upright.

Having surviving the scare, Burton replied with Adam McGurk sending a deflected 10 yard shot just past the left post before an unmarked Edwards wasted a clearer chance to score as he headed Tom Naylor’s right wing free-kick over the crossbar from six yards when he should have done better.

That miss soon increased in significance when the Shrimpers took the lead in the 45th minute, with Corr making amends for his earlier missed penalty.

The Irishman reacted sharply inside the box after a mis-hit effort from Pigott and sent an assured close range shot into the back of the net for his seventh goal in seven games.

But Corr’s eventful first half did not finish there as just before the break Burton midfielder Weir was sent off after clattering into the striker with an arm when the ball was in the air.

Southend attempted to make the most of their extra man at the start of the second half with Ryan Leonard volleying inches over from long range and David Worrall and Kevan Hurst both having shots smothered by McLaughlin.

However, Burton stood firm and drew back level in the 56th minute when Lucas Akins advanced down the right hand side before teeing up Palmer who sent an assured 20 yard shot in to the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Blues attempted to get back in front by bringing Jack Payne on for Pigott just past the hour mark before Myles Weston replaced Worrall five minutes later.

The second of those changes was greeted by disapproving chants from the away supporters before Jake Cassidy also came on to play the final five minutes in place of Adam Thompson as the Shrimpers seeked a late winner.

But the alteration backfired as Burton bagged a last minute winner as El Khayati cut in off the left flank and curled a low, 20 yard shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net to break Blues’ hearts and perhaps also end their hopes of a top three finish.