TEN-MAN Southend United sunk to a 1-0 defeat at play-off rivals Millwall this afternoon.

The Shrimpers had midfielder Will Atkinson sent off for a late lunge on Tony Craig in the 34th minute.

And the Lions took full advantage in the second half with Fred Onyedinma heading home the only goal of the game.

Millwall – managed by former Blues striker Neil Harris – had earlier begun the game brightly with Steve Morison firing over following a good run from Onyedinma down the right hand side before Jed Wallace sped down the left flank and saw a low shot blocked by Shrimpers goalkeeper Ted Smith.

Wallace’s cross from the resulting rebound was somehow put wide of the right post from six yards by Morison before Aiden O’Brien sent a rising effort inches over the crossbar after more good work from Onyedinma.

But, in the 34th minute, Blues suffered a huge blow when Atkinson was shown a straight red card by referee Andre Marriner.

Atkinson slid in late on Millwall skipper Craig when attempting to win the ball and was immediately sent off by Marriner.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, the Shrimpers threatened next with Michael Timlin slicing an effort wide of the left post after fantastic approach play from Marc-Antoine Fortune and Anthony Wordsworth.

After the break, Lions’ winger Wallace fired a low 25 yard shot straight at Smith before Blues responded by making their first change of the afternoon in the 59th minute with Theo Robinson replacing Fortune in attack.

But, just three minutes, the Lions made the breakthrough as Shaun Cummings’ right wing cross drifted over Jason Demetriou and was headed into the bottom right hand corner of the net by Onyedinma.

Blues made another change in the 78th minute with Jermaine McGlashan replacing Timlin and the winger soon had strong shouts for a penalty waved away when he appeared to be brought down by Craig.

Five minutes from time, the Shrimpers made their final substitution with Frank Nouble coming on for Cox in attack but the visitors were unable to conjure up a late leveller.