SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell felt his side’s poor first half display was to blame for the 2-1 defeat against Coventry City.

Jodi Jones’ deflected stoppage time strike secured all three points for the visitors at Roots Hall.

And Powell – who saw Blues striker Simon Cox sent off for a second bookable offence 11 minutes from time – was a frustrated figure at the final whistle.

“Our display in the first half came from absolutely nowhere and we just didn’t get going for whatever reason,” said Powell.

“We were third best let alone second best and that’s cost us in the end.

“We were very fortunate it stayed at 1-0 because it gave us a chance to do something.”

Powell introduced Harry Bunn in place of Ben Coker at the break and also switched to a 4-4-2 formation.

But Blues still ended up empty handed, despite Tom Hopper coming on to score his seventh goal of the season.

“I took Ben off because he was on a yellow card and had another challenge after that but we needed to change things,” said Powell.

“There was more purpose about us in the second half and we got back into it with Tom taking his goal brilliantly.”

However, Powell was also disappointed the visitors were not reduced to 10 men when Tom Davies was shown just a yellow card after clattering into Shrimpers skipper Sam Mantom.

“There was a red card but there should’ve been two,” said Powell.

“I seen it again and if you’re telling me that’s just a yellow card it’s frightening.

“The ball is nowhere near and he goes through him.

“For Coxy’s red card, you could say don’t put yourself in that area when the referee has a decision to make.

“But right at the end the shot hits one player, then another and goes through someone legs and that’s the way it seems to be going for us at home.

“We nearly nicked a point but it’s a result which hurts and we should’ve got an equaliser right at the end too.”