SOUTHEND United's Gus Scott-Morriss felt the Shrimpers' FA Cup defeat at Yeovil Town was a stark reminder of the club's current predicament.

Blues had just 11 fully fit senior players for the fourth qualifying round clash at Huish Park, which the hosts won 2-0.

And Scott-Morriss knows the situation cannot be sorted until a takeover is officially completed.

"We had a great week after the great news about the takeover and got back to back wins but the FA Cup game showed where the club and the team still is," said Scott-Morriss.

"We think everything is merry but realistically it's going to take a little bit of sorting out.

"We just need to make sure we keep going, keep grinding and get as many points on board as we can until things can really be sorted out behind the scenes so we can have a full squad in the building."

Blues remain under a transfer embargo which restricts them to having just 16 registered players.

But injury and availability issues meant the Shrimpers struggled to get out much of a squad against the Glovers.

"In general it was a tough weekend on and off the field," said Scott-Morriss.

"It was one of those games where we never really got going.

"We look back on the game and we know we should’ve been better in certain areas.

"But in the grand scheme of things it's probably not at the top of the priority list.

"Of course we want to win games of football but when you're realistic and look at the situation with us only having 10 or 11 players going into the game it's not the worst outcome."

And Scott-Morriss was also boosted by seeing youngsters Beau MacDonald and Ronnie Blake make their first team debuts.

"It was refreshing to see two young lads with us from the academy," said Scott-Morriss.

"Beau was called upon really early but they were both superb.

"Travelling up with us they got in with the group.

"I know they were nervous but credit to them because they're so young to be chucked in.

"They trained with us for a day and then Beau must have played about an hour and did really well."

Scott-Morriss did all he could to lead by example and was proud to skipper the Shrimpers for the first time.

"It was a real privilege to lead Southend and this group of boys out," said Scott-Morriss.

"All the people who are captain were injured but I was captain at my old team for spells and it's a responsibility I don't mind having.

"It was a real honour."

But attention will now turn towards Saturday's clash with third placed Solihull Moors at Roots Hall.

"We're four unbeaten in the league but they're flying as well so it will be a tough task, like it always is against Solihull," said Scott-Morriss.

"They're a good outfit but we're glad to be back in front of our fans and hopefully we can put a performance in to get the three points."