MARK Molesley refused to blame Simeon Akinola’s missed penalty for Southend United’s 2-0 defeat against Carlisle United at Roots Hall.

The struggling Shrimpers remain second from bottom in the League Two standings, five points from safety.

But Molesley felt his side’s latest setback was down to more than just Akinola’s weak effort from the spot which would have brought Blues back level just before the break.

“We had a great chance to equalise and we didn’t take it,” said Molesley.

“When you see a penalty missed it compounds things but we can’t use that as an excuse.

“Sim is the designated penalty taker and has been whenever he’s been on the pitch.

"He is our number one penalty taker and he didn’t miss one last year, I think he got double figures for Barnet.

“But unfortunately he hasn’t put that one away.

“He also has a style of taking penalties which has served him well in the past but it didn’t go for us today.

“But we can’t use that moment to compound us.

“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves and we’ve got to show more.”