KEVIN Maher’s spell as Southend United’s head coach started with a 3-0 defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge this afternoon.

Maher was named as Phil Brown’s successor at the struggling Shrimpers earlier this week.

But the new Blues boss will now be fully aware of the size of the task he is facing after seeing his side concede three goals in the space of just six second half minutes to fall into the National League drop zone. 

Early on, Dagenham’s Scott Wilson sent an shot wide of the right post from following a fizzing cross from Sam Ling before Blue replied with Sam Dalby heading a fine left wing cross from Jack Bridge inches wide of the right post.

Moments later, Dalby teed up Nathan Ferguson who fired over from 18 yards before the fit-again Abu Ogogo did likewise after more fine approach play from Dalby.

In reply, Dagenham skipper Angelo Balanta saw a low shot smartly saved by Blues goalkeeper Harry Seaden before ex Shrimpers winger Myles Weston fired over after darting into the left hand side of the penalty area.

After the break, Callum Reynolds’ effort from Will Wright’s dangerous left wing corner was headed clear in front of goal by Shrimpers midfielder James Dunne.

But, with 52 minutes on the clock, Dagenham went in front with a well-worked goal as a move down the left hand side resulted in Angelo Balanta crossing for Mo Sagaf to sweep the ball home from 12 yards.

Four minutes later, Dagenham doubled their lead when Weston advanced down the left hand side and delivered a deep cross which Sam Ling headed home at the far post from four yards.

Ling, the son of former Shrimpers midfielder Martin, was celebrating again just two minutes as curling right-wing cross from Reynolds found the head of the Dagenham defender who nodded home from 12 yards.

In a bid to get back into the game, Blues boss Maher made two changes in quick succession with Harry Phillips taking the place of Ferguson and Charlie Sayers coming on for Bridge.

But it was still Dagenham who remained on top with Balanta seeing his curling 20 yard shot impressively tipped onto the crossbar by Seaden.

The shell shocked Shrimpers replied with Rhys Murphy firing over from 12 yards but Dagenham goalkeeper Elliot Justham was never troubled as the visitors slumped to a sixth defeat in seven league games.