SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown felt the Shrimpers did not deserve to be beaten by Stockport County at Roots Hall.

The Hatters recorded a 1-0 win at Roots Hall with John Rooney scoring the only goal of the game in the first half.

But Brown also admitted his side lacked quality going forward.

“Did we deserve to get beaten? We probably didn’t,” said Brown.

“We did enough but there wasn’t enough quality in the final third, that would be my assessment.

“We probably had 16 or 17 shots in the game and we haven’t worked their goalkeeper enough.

“They put their bodies on the line and fair play to them.

“But whether they’re budget is five times ours or whatever, it doesn’t matter to me.

“It’s about wearing the shirt with pride and I think that’s why we had 5,500 turn up.

“If we keep on playing on that and have more quality in the final third then it’s a recipe for success.”

And Brown was keen to stress the need for the right kind of attitude.

“If it’s all about budgets then we’re in trouble but it’s not,” said the 62-year-old.

“It’s about pride, passion and believing in the club and what we can achieve so we have half a chance.”

But those attributes were not on show early on against Stockport.

“Even including pre-season friendlies that’s as poor as we’ve played in the first half,” said Brown.

“You have to give them credit for that though and they got their rewards for a good start, like we did last week.

“It gives you something to hang your hat on.”