JASON Demetriou says Southend United’s players will take responsibility for their poor FA Cup showing at Woking.

Blues were beaten 2-1 by the Cards in a fourth round qualifying clash.

And Demetriou admitted the Shrimpers were well below their best in what he felt was the worst performance since Kevin Maher took charge last October.

“It was a disappointing result and performance,” said Demetriou.

“It’s unlike us since the gaffer has been in charge and it was probably the worst team performance we’ve had.

“Us as players have to take the responsibility for that.

“We’ve been good up until now and I’ve been very impressed watching and playing in the games I have done.

“We’ve spoken among themselves and we will take responsibility because it just wasn’t good enough.”

But, despite that disappointment, Demetriou also stressed the need to remain upbeat.

“There should be no doom and gloom and results have been good,” said the defender.

“We’re five unbeaten in the league and before Saturday we had been hard to beat.

“We had been playing some good stuff too.

“But we want to go back to that now and show a bit of character this week.

“We’re nearly there and need to make sure we get back on it on Saturday.”

The Shrimpers sit 12th in the National League standings and will be looking to get back on track this weekend against a Scunthorpe side who are currently second from bottom in the standings.

Demetriou is already relishing the contest at Roots Hall and will have no qualms lining up down the left hand side once again if required.

“It’s fine playing there,” said the 34-year-old.

“I actually started my career as a left winger so it feels quite natural on that side of the pitch.

“I find it easier defending that way because you can push off.

“I don’t mind it at all and I know my role in the team this season.

“I’m happy to play wherever I’m needed and we are all looking forward to getting out there again on Saturday.

“If we win we will be right below the play-offs and we want those three points.”

Demetriou lined up at left wing back after coming on at half-time against Dagenham & Redbridge before also playing the full 90 minutes there against Woking.

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