SOUTHEND United striker Tom Hopper was left feeling ‘deflated’ despite his goalscoring return to action against Coventry City.

Hopper - who had missed Blues’ last two matches with ankle and hamstring injuries - came off the bench to net an excellent effort in the second half.

But his efforts ultimately went unrewarded as Sky Blues’ substitute Jodi Jones netted a deflected effort in injury time to secure the visitors a 2-1 victory.

“Thankfully my shot found the bottom corner which was nice but it was disappointing we couldn’t hang on and the boys are all deflated in there,” said Hopper.

“We reacted well in the second half and showed good character to come back from going a goal behind.

“We were so close to getting something from the game it’s hard to take but we don’t get too high when we win and we won’t get too low when we lose.”

Jones’ late winner came after Simon Cox had been shown a second yellow card for the Shrimpers 11 minutes from time.

Cox’s second caution came for a challenge on Coventry defender Tom Davies.

And Hopper felt it was a harsh decision.

“I’ve got to be careful what I say but I thought it was harsh,” said Hopper.

“But it was given and there’s nothing we can do about it.

“We have to take it on the chin and unfortunately it’s one of those things that happen.”

Cox will now serve a one match suspension and will miss Tuesday night’s clash with Walsall at Roots Hall.

But Hopper will now be in line to return to the starting line-up after admitting he was back at full fitness.

“I’ve been doing a lot of rehab on my hamstring but I feel good and I’m raring to go again,” said Hopper, who has now scored seven goals this season.

“The ankle was just a knock in the game and the hamstring was the main issue but it’s fine now.”

And Hopper is therefore eager to ensure the Shrimpers bounce back against the Saddlers.

“We have to brush it off and try and move on now,” said the 24-year-old.

“It’s a little blip, we had been on a good run and it’s back to business on Tuesday now.

“It’s a chance to put it right and get back on track.”

Blues will also go into the game without a goal at the North Bank end in 10 games.

But that does not concern Hopper.

“It’s when the goals aren’t coming at either end it becomes an issue,” he added.