SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley was frustrated his players were not given more protection during Blues’ 0-0 draw at Grimsby Town.

The Mariners committed 24 fouls during the League Two clash at Blundell Park on Saturday.

But several of the challenges were not punished further by referee Ben Toner, much to the annoyance of Molesley.

“There were some cynical fouls and you do ask for player safety really,” said Molesley.

“We ended up three or four bookings and we’ve hardly given a foul away.

“It was more for the conversation afterwards and maybe we needed to show a bit more discipline there but some of there were some quite nasty fouls out there yet the referee hasn’t even spoken to the player.”

Shrimpers midfielder Alan McCormack showed his annoyance to the referee on several occasions and even shouted towards the dug-out at one point, claiming his side had been sworn at five times.

But Molesley played down the incident.

“Referees sometimes get a bit of stick but this referee was giving Macca as good back by the sounds of things,” said the Blues boss.

“It’s tough out there, it’s a battle and tackles were flying in but we can only control what’s controllable.”