BARROW boss Michael Jolley felt Southend United used ‘every trick in the book’ to beat his side.

An early goal from Reeco Hackett-Fairchild saw the Shrimpers pick up all three points at Roots Hall.

And Barrow were unable to get back into the game despite Southend having Greg Halford sent off seven minutes into the second half, much to the frustration of Jolley.

“Southend used every trick in the book but that’s no criticism of them,” said Jolley.

“That’s what happens and we fell for it.

“We need to understand quickly what’s important in this league and what it takes to get results because we were very naïve.”

The defeat was Jolley’s first since taking charge just before Christmas and Barrow now sit just a point above Blues in the table.

But he felt his side had no excuses for the result.

“We’re a possession team, we like to keep the ball in play and it was out an awful lot today but there are no excuses,” said Jolley.

“We’re disappointed to lose but I’m learning about the group all the time and I learnt some important lessons today.”

And when asked if his side were unlucky not to be awarded two penalties, Jolley added: “We need to see the penalty shouts back but I haven’t come back into football to criticise referees.

“I don ‘t think the referee had a particularly great game in terms of game management and the time taken out the game.

“But from our own perspective it’s an important lesson learnt.”