SOMETIMES it just isn’t your day, your week or, seemingly in the case of Southend United, your season.

The Shrimpers finally seemed set to revive their survival hopes when Simon Cox fired them in front at Walsall on Friday.

But, just has often been the case this term, Blues were undone in the cruellest of circumstances as the hosts converted a controversial stoppage time penalty.

Time and time again, Southend have snatched draws or defeats from the jaws of victory.

However, on Friday at least it was hard not to feel sympathy towards them.

Just like Blues, Walsall are fighting towards the foot of the table and, on the whole, were unable to trouble Kevin Bond’s team.

The Shrimpers had more of the pressure and possession and made it pay before the break with Simon Cox scoring his 17th goal of the season.

Cox deserves tremendous praise for that tally given the quality of service coming his way and how isolated he has been for long spells this season.

But his latest effort was not enough to secure all three points as referee Ross Joyce took centre stage as he somehow adjudged John White to have fouled Aramide Oteh who then gleefully converted the softest of spot-kicks.

However, the penalty was not the only bizarre decision from Joyce who produced the worst refereeing performance I have seen in my 29 years watching the Shrimpers.

Joyce took it upon himself to call a drinks break, having not consulted either side, midway through the first half before blowing up for the break just seconds before Taylor Moore fired home for Blues.

Penalty shouts for a push on Harry Bunn were waved away in the second half before Connor Johnson was shown just a yellow card for a strong challenge on the Shrimpers striker.

After that came the bizarre penalty decision and, just as you thought it could not get any worse, Joyce showed John White a second yellow card without actually realising he had already been booked!

White could well face retrospective punishment ahead of Monday’s clash with Burton.

But the bigger picture is something seriously needs to be done to improve the standard of officiating.

Due to the finances involved, VAR is incredibly unlikely to work its way into the lower Leagues.

However, with clubs pouring more and more money into their squads and fans paying a fortune to follow their sides it is simply not acceptable for matches to be controlled by below par officials.

Trust me when I say I am not someone who opts to criticise referees quickly either.

But surely the time has now come for them to be properly funded so they can turn full time in a bid to stop sub-standard showings like Saturday.

Saying that, the Shrimpers could and probably should have already have had the game sewn up long before the late penalty.

Elvis Bwomono missed a golden chance to double Blues’ lead before Charlie Kelman also wasted a decent opportunity before yet another painful conclusion to the game.

Subsequently, the Shrimpers have now conceded 13 goals in the final seven minutes of their matches this season, a pattern which has already cost them 12 precious points.

The latest setback was perhaps the most pivotal so far as victory at Walsall would have given Blues momentum and seen them work their way out of the bottom four.

But, as things stand, Southend remain 22nd in the standings and are still two points from safety with just three games to go.

Worryingly, Blues have now failed to win in their last 15 outings but, roared on by fantastic away support, they produced a far more spirited display.

However, the Shrimpers’ best displays seem to have come on the road in recent times and the home form must now be sorted if relegation is to be avoided.

Blues are currently enduring a horrific run at Roots Hall where they have not won since New Year’s Day.

Since then the Shrimpers have gone nine home games without win and have also failed to score in their last four outings.

But that simply has to change today if Blues are to avoid what would be the most painful setback of all - a return to League Two.