SOUTHEND United suffered a second away defeat in the space of just four days tonight, crashing to a 2-0 reverse at Bradford City.

Blues rarely threatened in the rearranged clash at Valley Parade.

And two more goals conceded from set pieces saw them return home from West Yorkshire empty handed.

The Shrimpers’ only real effort came after 16 minutes when the recalled Noel Hunt saw his dipping effort from 20 yards tipped over the crossbar by Bradford goalkeeper Ben Williams.

But, just 60 seconds later, the hosts hit back and broke the deadlock in fine fashion with McMahon firing home an excellent free-kick.

The Shrimpers were aggravated by referee Ross Joyce penalising Cian Bolger for a foul on Kyel Reid.

And McMahon made the most of the situation by curling his 25 yard shot high into the left hand side of the net for fifth goal of the season.

Moments later, the Bantams almost made it 2-0 after the Wickford based Josh Cullen charged forward after a poor pass from Gary Deegan before teeing up Wes Thomas who curled a 20 yard shot just inches over the crossbar.

Bradford continued to push forward and, in the 35th minute, the home-side again came close to extending their lead when Nathan Clarke’s 16 yard skimmed the top of the crossbar.

After the break, City’s Lee Evans saw an inswinging free-kick from the left flank parried to safety by Shrimpers shot-stopper Daniel Bentley.

Blues boss Phil Brown, who was in charge of the club for the 150th time, responded by making his first change of the night in the 59th minute with Sam McQueen coming on to replace Stephen McLaughlin down the left hand side.

Eight minutes later, the Shrimpers made a second change with Jamar Loza taking the place of Deegan as the visitors switched from 4-5-1 to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation.

But it was still Bradford who threatened next with McMahon having a well struck close range volley smartly stopped by Bentley.

In a bid to improve his side, Brown made a third alteration in the 73rd minute with David Worrall replacing Wil Atkinson on the right flank.

However, just a minute after the substitution, Bradford doubled their lead from another set piece.

This time McMahon was the provider and his left wing corner was headed home by Hanson via the underside of the crossbar from eight yards.

Bentley then did superbly well to stop substitute Andrew Davies adding a third before Blues hit back late on with Anthony Wordsworth curling a 25 yard free-kick straight at Williams.

But, by then, the damage had already been done as Bradford continued their own charge for the play-offs by drawing level on points with the seventh placed Shrimpers.