SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell was left ‘hurting’ following the Shrimpers’ 3-2 defeat against table-topping Peterborough United on Saturday.

Goals from Tom Hopper and Stephen McLaughlin saw Blues draw back level after a Matt Godden brace had put Posh in control at Roots Hall.

But an 87th minute effort from Ivan Toney saw Peterborough secure all three points to leave Powell feeling dejected on his 49th birthday.

“This really hurts,” said Powell.

“It’s another game, following on from Charlton, that we should have got something from at home and it’s a really tough one to have to take.

“The boys showed tremendous resilience and character to get back into the game and, on the balance of play, I think we were the better team but we keep getting hurt.

“We need to manage situations better and they were poor goals for us to concede.”

The defeat was the Shrimpers’ second in succession at home.

And Powell wants his side to show they are made of strong stuff.

“We can create chances and score goals and when we do it right we look good but it’s the small details that are costing us at the moment,” said the Blues chief.

“I told the players after the game that we need to man up.

“We’re good with the ball but we need to be better without it.

“We need to be uglier at times and we need to make sure we take something from games.”

But the Shrimpers were ultimately undone by Toney’s late effort which came exactly the way Powell feared.

“When it went 2-2 you can still be on the front foot but you have to make sure you don’t get caught out by a sucker punch,” said Powell.

“We knew Peterborough liked to counter attack and we spoke all week about it.

“On the main we managed it well but in the end not well enough unfortunately.

“It was the same last week but ultimately we haven’t got any points and that’s tough to take.

“But we have to stay positive and it’s my job to pick everyone up.”

Blues will now be bidding to bounce back at struggling Shrewsbury Town on Saturday.

And Powell’s side will again be making the trip with David Stockdale in goal as the Shrimpers boss sealed a loan switch for the experienced custodian before kick off.

“It was tough for Dave because he only came in on Friday,” said Powell.

“He doesn’t know all of the lads and it’s tough for any player let alone a goalkeeper to just turn up and play.

“He’s a good addition and he’s a top class goalkeeper.

“It’s something I felt we had to do and he will grow with us in the short time he’s here.

“He’s here for another two games and fair play to Dave for coming in and being vocal and a dominant personality wise. But he’s hurting just like everyone else because we’ve lost.”