SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher was frustrated with his side’s point but not the performance at Halifax Town.

The Shrimpers were held to a 1-1 draw at the Shay Stadium after their hosts netted an equaliser when down to 10 men.

But, despite being disappointed not to have won, Maher was pleased with Blues’ display.

“In terms of not getting the three points it was frustrating but I don’t think it was in terms of the performance and how we played,” said Maher.

“We’re coming to a tough place and we took control of the game in the first half.

“We had one or two chances and there was nothing coming against us.”

Wes Fonguck fired the Shrimpers in front at the start of the second half.

But Maher was left to rue Blues’ inability to build on their lead.

“It was a brilliant finish from Wes but we know he can do that,” said Maher.

“Going 1-0 up and with them down to 10 men you want to get the second goal to put it to bed because you always run the risk of conceding from a set piece or something like that.

“We probably should have stayed a bit more patient but we turned the ball over a little but when they went down to 10 men.

“Sometimes you can rush rather than just waiting for it to happen and it disappointing we didn’t get the second goal even after they equalised.”

Halifax levelled the score 16 minutes from time with Adam Senior on target after the Shrimpers had failed to clear a corner.

And Maher thought Blues should have dealt better with the situation.

“I think it’s just a bit of organisation and we’ve got to defend the set piece better,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“But there are a couple of ricochets and it bobbles around.

“If it’s your day it drops to one of our players and if it’s not it drops to one of theirs which it did.

“It’s another point away from home though and you’ll always take that at a tough place to come.”