SOUTHEND United midfielder Oli Coker thought the Shrimpers ‘never got going’ in the FA Cup defeat to Yeovil Town.

A depleted Blues side were beaten 2-0 in a fourth qualifying round tie at Huish Park.

And Coker felt Southend were never at their best.

“I don’t think we really got going,” said Coker.

“It was a tough pitch but we’ve got to do better.

“We had a few chances from the edge of the box but we didn’t really take them.

“You can’t blame the pitch but we couldn’t get going or play the way we like.

“It’s disappointing but they’ve won the game and they’re through which is what it’s all about.”

Yeovil took an early lead with Jake Wannell firing home before Jordan Young sealed the win in the second half.

And Coker thought Blues were punished for not being good enough in either penalty area.

“We were the dominant side but it’s game of two boxes,” said Coker.

“We didn’t defend our box too well but we have to keep going.

“We have enough in that dressing room to do it too.

“We have to keep getting points in the league and keep producing on the pitch.”

Coker is determined to help that happen, whatever it takes.

And he did not mind lining up in a deeper midfield role at the weekend.

“It was a different role for me today being a bit deeper but you have to get on with it,” said Coker.

“It’s a tough one to take today but the games come thick and fast and we’ll look to do better next week now.”

Coker was joined on the pitch by youngsters Beau MacDonald and Ronnie Blake in the second half against the Glovers.

And he is pleased to see more talented players following in his foot-steps after he also worked his way through the academy at Roots Hall.

“It’s nice for young lads to come through the academy and get a chance, especially in the FA Cup,” said the 20-year-old.

“They trained with us yesterday and have bags of potential so we have to keep pushing them through.

“I’ve been through it the same as them so we’ll all help them.”