SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher thought his side fully deserved their 2-0 defeat to York City.

The Shrimpers were beaten by the Minstermen in the fifth round of the FA Trophy at Roots Hall.

And Maher had no complaints about the result.

“I don’t think we ever really got going and we didn’t deserve anything from it in all honesty,” said Maher.

“We were a little bit pleased to come in at 0-0 and I thought we would sort out one or two things at half-time.

“But we conceded from a set piece when one of our main headers is off the pitch.

“You’re chasing the game after that and you’re always susceptible to being done again too.”

Maher opted to freshen up his side for the game with Gus Scott-Morriss, Jack Bridge, Noor Husin and Harry Cardwell all dropping to the bench.

But Maher knows changes had to be made during a demanding schedule for the Shrimpers.

“People will look at it and think maybe it’s on me for changing the team and I’ll take that on the chin,” said Maher.

“There were a few boos at the end too which is part and parcel of it.

“But Cards was struggling with his foot getting through games and we’ve got a squad we need to use.

“Unfortunately we didn’t get a result today but the players we picked were more than good enough to get one.

“There’s nothing on them or the players though, they should be proud of everything they’re doing.

“And the ultimate aim is to still get in the play-offs and get out of this league.”

With that in mind, Maher is now targeting an immediate return to winning ways against Halifax Town in the National League on Tuesday night.

And the Blues boss again stressed his squad are giving their all.

“We said in there we’ve got to respond on Tuesday now,” said Maher.

“It’s disappointing to lose but with the group of players and staff we have, they always respond and go again.

“They’re giving everything like they always have done.”

But Maher was clearly hurting at the final whistle.

“It’s very hard, especially when you’re losing,” said Maher.

“I hate losing and it’s frustrating because it’s a competition we wanted to go to the end in.

“But no excuses today, we weren’t good enough.”