SOUTHEND United defender Sam Hart has issued an apology following the Shrimpers' heavy defeat at Port Vale.

Blues were beaten 5-1 at Vale Park.

And Hart has taken to social media to apologise.

He tweeted: "A day that will haunt me for a long time. I can only apologise for today and the last week of performances. I have not been good enough and I take responsibility for that. We will fix this and be back stronger and together."

Saturday's defeat was the Shrimpers' fourth in succession and Mark Molesley's side remain bottom of the League Two table.