SOUTHEND & EMT slipped down into the relegation zone after suffering a 10 wicket defeat at Ilford.

Southend were bowled out for just 62 before their hosts rattled off the runs without losing a wicket.

And Southend skipper Joe Robbins was a frustrated figure at the close of play.

“It was obviously an extremely disappointing day for us, and our worst defeat of the season,” said Robbins.

“The pitch was wet and it proved to be extremely difficult to bat on.

“They’ve got two very good spinners, one being Ashar Zaidi, so when the ball is turning square it was always going to be tough.

“Five guys were caught at short leg and one at leg slip so I think that speaks volumes.”

Only three Southend players made it into double figures in their innings, with Sam Rowe and Shaun Grant joint top scorers with 12.

The convincing defeat saw Southend fail to pick up a single point and enabled relegation rivals Colchester & East Essex to move above them in the standings.

Southend now sit five points behind Colchester but remain determined to overhaul that gap on the final day of the season which seems them hosting third placed Brentwood this weekend.

“It’s going to be a tough final day for us,” said Robbins.

“Brentwood are going for the title and will be out to win. It’s out of our hands but we will fight right to the death.”

Colchester complete their season with a trip to second placed Chelmsford.