SOUTHEND United remain five points from safety after suffering a painful 2-0 defeat against Carlisle United at Roots Hall this afternoon.

A first half strike from the Cumbrians’ Offrande Zanzala and a late effort from substitute Gime Toure saw the second from bottom Shrimpers suffer yet another setback.

And a missed penalty from Simeon Akinola heaped more misery on Mark Molesley’s side who have now gone six games without a goal at Roots Hall.

Carlisle, who now sit just three points outside the play-offs, came close to taking an early lead when Tyler Cordner headed a deep right wing cross from Joe Riley inches past his own left post.

Moments later, Zanzala sent a low effort wide of the left post from the edge of the penalty area.

But the Congolese striker was not to be denied for long and he broke the deadlock in the 17th minute as he brought down a pass from Aaron Hayden before charging forward and sending a fierce low shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net from 20 yards.

Blues were forced into a change in the 34th minute with Alan McCormack suffering another injury setback.

The experienced Irishman was replaced by Kyle Taylor in the centre of the park and, three minutes later, the Shrimpers wasted a golden chance to equalise when Akinola was brought down by Callum Guy in the box and referee Alan Young pointed to the spot.

However, Akinola was unable to make the most of the opportunity and his weak effort was easily saved by Carlisle goalkeeper Paul Farman.

After the break, Carlisle’s top scorer Jon Mellish saw a well struck effort pushed wide of the left post by Southend goalkeeper Mark Oxley.

The Shrimpers responded by making a second change in the 59th minute as Ricky Holmes replaced Emile Acquah in attack.

And Blues soon threatened with Akinola seeing his close range volley from Tom Clifford’s free-kick ruled out off for offside.

But Southend posed few problems going forward after that and made a triple change in the 74th minute with Elvis Bwomono, Brandon Goodship and Jacob Mellis all entering the action in a bid to improve.

However, it was a Carlisle sub who made the biggest difference as, just five minutes after coming on, Gime Toure curled a 20 yard shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net to keep Blues in deep trouble towards the foot of the table.