SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell was ‘quietly pleased’ the Shrimpers did not suffer a more convincing victory at Doncaster Rovers tonight.

Blues were beaten 3-0 at the Keepmoat Stadium.

But Powell feared his side could have been on the end of a bigger defeat.

“I’m quietly pleased it was only three,” said Powell.

“They hit the woodwork a couple of times and Nathan (Bishop) made some good saves.

“It could have been a really ugly night but it’s still a difficult one.

“We’ve been beaten fair and square by a good side and we have no excuses.”

But Powell did feel Blues were in the game until poor defending enabled John Marquis to head Rovers in front from close range.

“We started off well and we had the ball in good areas,” said Powell.

“We were putting them on the back foot but you have to keep marking until the ball is dead and we haven’t done that.

“You can’t leave John Marquis free like that because he’s a top striker at this level.

“We were chasing the game after that and we’re not really that type of side.”

The defeat leaves the Shrimpers 14th in the League One standings, six points clear of the relegation zone.

And Powell is keen to see a reaction against Portsmouth at Roots Hall this weekend.

“It’s a big, big game on Saturday now and we need to turn things in our favour because we know how tight it is,” Powell added.