SOUTHEND United head coach Kevin Maher was a frustrated figure following tonight’s 1-1 draw with Maidenhead at Roots Hall. 

A second half equaliser from ex Shrimpers midfielder Kane Ferdinand meant Blues had to settle for just a point.

And Maher was disappointed his side could not build on taking the lead just before the break with Rhys Murphy firing home.

“When you take the lead and go in 1-0 up you obviously want to go on and win the game,” said Maher.

“But we showed a lack of desire to almost go on and win it in the second half and there was almost a fear of going to win it too.

“It’s hard to change the momentum after they built up a head of steam but we had a go and it’s disappointing not to get the three points.”

Blues still sit above the relegation zone on goal difference and Maher is keen to see more from his players.

“We should go on and take it and the players need to show a bit of personality on the pitch to go, hang on I’ll have the ball and take charge,” said Maher.

“We let them off the hook too easily and we didn’t ask enough questions of them in the second half.”

The Shrimpers therefore had to settle for a share of the spoils but Maher was also keen to look at the positive aspects of the stalemate.

“We wanted to win the game but we haven’t lost and it keeps them below us too,” said Maher.

“We’re disappointed of course but if you offered four points from these last two games maybe we would’ve taken that.

“But it’s disappointing not to have built on that win at Altrincham.”