SOUTHEND United’s winless start to the season continued with a 2-1 defeat against Morecambe at Roots Hall this afternoon.

The Shrimpers took an early lead with an own goal from Liam Gibson putting them in front after just five minutes.

But the Shrimps, who had been heavily beaten in their last two outings, fought back in the second half to condemn Mark Molesley’s side to a fifth defeat in succession.

The game initially started brightly for Blues as they opened the scoring after just five minutes when Brandon Goodship’s effort struck the underside of the crossbar and Gibson jumped in ahead of Emile Acquah to head the ball into the back of his own net.

Morecambe soon wasted a good chance to equalise with Carlos Mendes-Gomes heading wide of the right post from close range.

Moments later, Blues goalkeeper Mark Oxley reacted sharply to parry out an inswinging free-kick from Aaron Wildig The Shrimps went close to scoring again in the 40th minute with John O’Sullivan sending a well struck shot inches wide of the left post.

After the break, Adam Phillips sent a 20 yard effort just past the left post before Blues made their first change of the afternoon in the 51st minute with Charlie Kelman replacing Jordan Green.

But four minutes later Morecambe drew back level as fine right wing cross from Phillips picked out Wildig who fired home a clinical finish from close range.

O’Sullivan then saw a well-struck shot parried to safety by Oxley before the Shrimpers made their second change with Tom Clifford coming on for Acquah.

However, Morecambe continued to threaten and they went ahead in the 73rd minute when a poor pass from Kelman set up a counter attack for the visitors which led to O’Sullivan teeing up Phillips who fired home via the inside of the right post.

Blues responded by making a third change in the 81st minute as Matt Rush replaced Terrell Egbri.

But the Shrimpers rarely looked like scoring as their troublesome start to the season continued.