SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley found tonight's 1-0 defeat at Cheltenham Town tough to take.

A second half penalty from Conor Thomas saw the Shrimpers beaten by the new League Two leaders.

And Molesley, whose side remain in 22nd place two points above the relegation zone, was frustrated to end the game empty handed.

"It’s a tough one to take," said Molesley.

"We went toe to toe with them and I thought we more than matched them.

"They’re an excellent side and I will be surprised if they don’t go up this year.

"It was a tough battle and it was agonising goal to concede.

"There was a tangle of players on the by-line and the penalty has gone their way.

"It was a cruel way to lose but we’re more than matching than the top teams which is a positive.

"But we want points not positives."

The Shrimpers almost netted a late leveller when Timothee Dieng headed wide from close range.

And Molesley was gutted to see the Frenchman waste the opportunity.

"We went agonisingly close at the end and we’re gutted we haven’t come away with anything which I think shows how far we’ve come,” said Molesley.

“The attitude and mentality have been second to none again but we need to show a little bit more quality in the final third.

“Cheltenham defended well though and have the meanest defence in the League.”