SOUTHEND United came crashing back down to earth with a dismal 3-1 defeat at Port Vale this evening.

Just four days on from beating table-topping Burton Albion at Roots Hall, the Shrimpers conceded three times in the opening 40 minutes as they suffered a disappointing setback at Vale Park.

Poor defending proved to be Blues' downfall as the home-side twice scored from set pieces to dent Phil Brown's side's push of the play-offs, despite an injury time effort from Sam McQueen.

Vale now also hope to secure a top six finish and threatened first with Louis Dodds firing straight at Blues goalkeeper Daniel Bentley from long range before his strike partner Matthew Kennedy headed over a right wing cross from Michael O'Connor.

Southend soon hit back with Tyrone Barnett fizzing an excellent long range effort just inches over the crossbar.

But, with 18 minutes on the clock, Vale hit back to break the deadlock with Carl Dickinson on target.

The full-back reacted sharply after O'Connor's left wing corner had been flicked on at the near post and guided a low, eight yard shot into the back of the net.

The simple effort continued the Shrimpers' troubles defending set pieces but the visitors came close to netting an equaliser when Jack Payne's powerful goalbound volley was blocked by Vale defender Richard Duffy.

However, Vale were soon back on top and doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Ben Purkiss' right wing cross was poorly dealt with by Southend full-back Luke O'Neill.

The defender attempted to cushion a header into the path of Will Atkinson on the edge of the penalty area but instead teed up O'Connor who drilled a low, 20 yard shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

Blues immediately came within a whisker of pulling a goal back when Anthony Wordsworth drilled a powerful effort against the inside of the right post.

But Vale immediately made the most of the let-off by making it 3-0 in the 40th minute when O'Connor's inswinging free-kick from the left flank glanced off the head of Wordsworth before flying into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

Shell shocked Blues boss Phil Brown responded by bringing on David Worrall in place of Michael Timlin just before the break before McQueen also replaced Payne at half-time.

The alterations saw Southend switch to a 4-4-2 formation but it was Vale who remained on top and they came close to making it 4-0 in the 58th minute when O'Connor's right wing free-kick struck Adam Barrett before being impressively saved by Blues goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

In a further bid to improve his side, Shrimpers boss Brown made his third change of the night just a minute later when David Mooney replaced Noel Hunt in attack.

However, it was Vale who still threatened next with Dodds sending a powerful 20 yard shot inches wide of the right post before substitute JJ Hooper also fired just past the same upright from a similar distance.

After that, Vale rarely threatened and Southend came to life in stoppage time when McQueen fired home from close range after Coker's free-kick had been headed down into his path inside the six yard box.

More drama was to follow when Blues were also awarded a penalty after a foul on Mooney inside the box

But Mooney saw his spot-kick smash against the crossbar in the closing action of a frustrating evening for the Shrimpers.