SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher was left ruing his side’s slow start in Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Yeovil Town.

Blues went behind after just two minutes at Huish Park.

And Maher felt that was crucial in the Glovers coming out on top.

“We gave them something to hang on to and defend,” said Maher.

“It was really, really sloppy from us, right from the kick off really.

“We don’t deal with a header, we give a free-kick away we don’t deal with and all of a sudden we’re 1-0 down.

“From there we’re chasing the game a bit.

“We had a lot of the ball and a few chances in the first half we probably could’ve done better with and tested the keeper more.”

Maher sought improvement after the break but thought there was a lack of sharpness in attack.

“We got ourselves going again in the second half and had one or two chances but we needed to sharper in and around the box,” said Maher.

“It’s hard to break them down when they have 10 men behind the ball and the pitch is drying up.

“It was becoming harder to find an opening and we can’t change or do much else.

“Then we gave away a poor second goal too but credit to them they defended ever so well.”