SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher felt the Shrimpers had enough clear cut chances to avoid being beaten 1-0 by Barnet on Saturday.

A late header from Adebola Oluwo secured the Bees their second win against Blues in the space of five days.

But Maher was adamant his side did enough to avoid heading home empty handed.

"The performance doesn't warrant a loss but unfortunately that's what it is," said a clearly frustrated Maher.

"A bit of naivety and a lack of a cutting edge has cost us again.

"But you can't have that many chances and not win a game, it's plain and simple.

"When you don't take chances you put yourself under pressure and one set piece or throw they can score which is what happened."

Blues started their final outing of 2023 with Mauro Vilhete in behind Henry Sandat in attack with Brooklyn Kabongolo on the bench.

The makeshift striker - who is more used to playing at the back - helped the Shrimpers get on top after coming on just before the hour mark.

But Maher does not feel Kabongolo can play the full 90 minutes up top just yet.

"I knew Brook would end up coming on but if he starts the game he doesn't finish it," said Maher.

"I knew he would come on quite early but him lasting 90 minutes up front is a tough ask for him.

"To be fair to him he's a defender going up there and he's had a one v one.

"Woody has had a couple of great chances he's got to take and the opportunities were there for us."

The defeat saw the Shrimpers slip to 16th in the National League standings.

And Maher was disappointed he could not give Blues' huge travelling support, of close to 1,800 fans, more to cheer.

"They're incredible and I'm just so gutted," said Maher.

"That's why I couldn't stay too long because of the frustration.

"For them to travel like they have in such numbers is unbelievable and I'm gutted we couldn't give them something to cheer."

Blues will now look to bounce back against Halifax Town at Roots Hall on Saturday.