SOUTHEND United’s slight hopes of a play-off place all but ended with a disappointing 2-0 defeat at struggling Blackpool this afternoon.

The Shrimpers had been hoping to build on Wednesday night’s fine 3-1 win against Sheffield United.

But Jamar Loza and Jack Payne both wasted clear cut chances to score before Blackpool hit back to boost their survival hopes with a vital victory.

And their triumph also saw Blues drop to 10th in the table, eight points below the top six.

Blackpool started brightly and came close to scoring inside the opening minute when Blyth’s well struck 25 yard shot was gathered by Southend goalkeeper Daniel Bentley at the second attempt.

Moments later, the Tangerines threatened again with Mark Cullen cutting in off the left hand side before sending a low shot inches wide of the left post.

The Tangerines continued to attack with Danny Philliskirk firing just wide of the left post from 20 yards but, with 15 minutes on the clock, Blues hit back with Tyrone Barnett heading Stephen McLaughlin’s left wing cross straight at goalkeeper Colin Doyle.

The Shrimpers’ recalled striker Jamar Loza then scuffed a 20 yard shot wide of the left post and, with 27 minutes on the clock, the on loan Norwich City man came even closer to scoring when he fired against the outside of the right post after Payne’s attempted shot had fallen into his path.

Blackpool soon hit back with Brad Potts having a powerful 25 yard shot parried to safety by Bentley before the midfielder went close again in the 41st minute when he fires inches wide of the left post.

But, after surviving the scare, Southend immediately replied with Loza delivering a fine right cross which Hayden White put just past his own left post while under pressure from Payne.

After the break, Blues wasted an even clearer chance to score when Payne dragged a 10 yard shot wide of the right post after the ball had dropped invitingly into his path following some poor Blackpool defending.

However, the hosts immediately replied and opened the scoring in the 49th minute, with Cullen on target.

The former Luton Town striker appeared to be offside when he headed home David Norris’ left wing cross but the match officials still allowed the goal to be given, much to the frustration of the Shrimpers.

In a bid to get back into the game, Blues boss Phil Brown made a double change in the 63rd minute with Myles Weston coming on for Loza in attack and Sam McQueen replacing McLaughlin.

Four minutes later, Ryan Leonard came on for Gary Deegan in midfield and, shortly after his introduction, the midfielder unleashed a long throw from the left hand side which was headed over by Barnett.

After that, the Shrimpers enjoyed a spell of pressure but the ball failed to fall their way in front of goal.

And Blackpool made them pay in the 79th minute when they doubled their lead with Jacob Blyth on target.

The Leicester City loanee, who is a former transfer target for the Shrimpers, netted with a clinical low finish after Cullen had sprinted down the right flank before delivering a low cross which condemned Southend to another costly defeat.