SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher stressed “things have got to change” following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Bromley.

Blues named just one substitute for the clash at Roots Hall, had no recognised striker and played most of the second half with right wing-back Gus Scott-Morriss in goal.

And Maher knows the situation is not sustainable.

“Something has got to change,” said Maher.

“You look at the football department, what we’ve done, what the players have done and the staff right throughout the club and it’s papering over what’s been going on.

“Something has got to happen and happen soon because we’ll have injuries and you can’t go into the game with one sub.

“I know Moons (Dan Mooney) left but we had no choice in that and that’s the situation we’re in.”

However, Maher did take heart from Blues’ display against the second placed Ravens.

“I look at it, they’re second in the league and so well-organised,” said Maher.

“They’re a good, good side but we’ve got an outfield player in goal, no sub and a centre half up front and we’re like the Alamo in the second half.

“That tells me that if we’re allowed to work properly we’d be matching them at least and pushing Chesterfield.

“We’ve got an opportunity as a football club, don’t let this go.”

Blues trailed 2-0 before getting back in the game 10 minutes from time when Brooklyn Kabongolo heading home.

And Maher was delighted with the spirit on show.

“You lose games and it’s tough to take but we played unbelievably and I’m so proud of the players,” said Maher.

“It’s not a surprise and when things and thrown at them they keep going and going.

“I thought we were the better team, we had more chances, more balls in the box and everything was in our favour under than the scoreline which is the most important thing.”

But Maher opted not to criticise the National League.

“I’m not going to go on at the league,” said Maher.

“We tried to get someone in yesterday but you’re two weeks away from January and clubs aren’t going to let centre-forwards out.

“We tried and it wasn’t to be because teams are going to protect themselves with all the fixtures over Christmas.

“Players will wait to see what’s going on, including our own.”