SOUTHEND United slumped to a fifth League defeat in six games this afternoon, losing 2-0 at table-topping Portsmouth.

The hosts who were rarely troubled by what appeared to be an unbalanced Blues side in the first half.

And Kenny Jackett’s side took full advantage to comfortably record an eighth victory in succession.

The Shrimpers did momentarily threaten early on with Simon Cox sending an early long range effort straight at Portsmouth goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray.

But the hosts hit back and opened the scoring in the 11th minute when a low, left wing cross from Ronan Curtis was slid into the back of his own net by Shrimpers centre-back Michael Turner.

Moments later, Portsmouth should have doubled their lead when another cross from Curtis was headed over by an unmarked Matt Clarke from six yards.

The League One leaders continue to threaten down their left hand side with Hawkins sending Jamal Lowe’s cross inches wide of the left post.

However, Blues did not learn lessons from the scares as Portsmouth doubled their lead in the 29th minute when Curtis’ left wing cross was headed home by Jamal Lowe via the inside of the right post.

With Portsmouth remaining on top, a clear handball inside the penalty area by Shrimpers skipper Sam Mantom somehow went unpunished by referee Lee Collins.

Blues hit back with a quick break away which saw Manton tee up Harry Bunn inside the penalty area but the winger opted to cross rather than shoot, enabling Clarke to slide the ball behind for a corner.

Stephen McLaughlin then fired over from 20 yards on the stroke of half-time and, during the interval, Shrimpers boss Chris Powell opted to make a change with Stephen Hendrie coming on to replace Turner.

The alteration saw Taylor Moore move from right-back to his more usual role at the heart of the back while Elvis Bwomono moved from left-back to right-back.

However, Portsmouth still threatened next with Curtis having a well struck shot parried out by Blues goalkeeper Mark Oxley.

A second change followed for the Shrimpers with Theo Robinson replacing Bunn in the 64th minute before the final alteration saw Dru Yearwood come on for Mantom.

Shortly before the final change, McLaughlin saw an effort deflected wide of the right post but Portsmouth immediately replied with substitute Ben Close somehow firing wide of the target from close range.

With the hosts still searching for a third goal, Ben Thompson saw his 25 yard free kick pushed out by Oxley before the Blues shot-stopper reacted quickly to deny Clarke from the resulting rebound in the closing action of the game.