SOUTHEND put in a gutsy showing against table-topping Wapping thirds at the weekend, but couldn’t prevent a 4-2 defeat.

Southend only had 11 players at their disposal and, after another player didn’t show up, the team were left with just 10 men.

Inside 60 seconds, Wapping were ahead, although Southend rallied to take a 2-1 lead thanks to James Lockwood and James Robinson.

Lone striker Barry Puncher and supporting midfielders Sam Phillips and James Robinson were looking lively, against a team who were using their five rolling substitutes to their advantage.

And with 10 minutes to go they drew level, with two short corners leading to two late winning goals.

The seconds drew 3-3 with Wapping sixths, although came from three goals down to salvage a share of the spoils.

Three early goals put Wapping in charge, and it wasn’t until the second-half that the turnaround began. James Beardwell scored first with a high quality drag flick, with Adam Higman scoring another from a short corner.

And it was a wonder goal at the death that drew Southend level. Billy Baker plucked the ball from mid-air, got in behind the Wapping defence and sent the ball over the keeper.

The thirds lost 8-0 against Rochford.