SOUTHEND United’s penalty troubles continued in Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw at Halifax Town.

Shrimpers striker Callum Powell saw his first half spot-kick saved by Halifax goalkeeper Sam Johnson, meaning Maher’s side have now failed to score four of their last five penalties.

And Maher admitted the issue was becoming more of a concern.

“It’s becoming a bit of a thing and you’ve got to score penalties,” said Maher.

“Away from home, it gets you one up but when you miss it you can see and hear it gets the crowd going again.

“We’ve got to score penalties but give credit to Powelly, he kept going the whole game and did his best to make amends.

“No one means to miss penalties and you can practise them all you want but you have to do it here.

“You’ve got to score them, we know that, but give them credit second half because everyone had to dig in to pull a point out.”