SOUTHEND United defender Adam Crowther was left feeling frustrated after finally making his home debut for the Shrimpers.

Crowther played the second half of Blues’ 1-0 defeat to Gateshead at Roots Hall on Saturday.

And the centre-back, who replaced an injured Harry Taylor at half-time, was disappointed to end the afternoon empty handed.

“It was frustrating,” said Crowther.

“We probed a lot and had a lot of half chances, chances and balls across the goal.

“We couldn’t quite get the finishing touch and it probably summed it up at the end when we hit the post and the bar.

“It was another one of those days.

“They didn’t really have too many chances but ricochet, ricochet and then it fell it the net.

Marcus Dinanga bagged the only goal of the game for the visitors.

But Crowther thought both teams had spells of pressure.

"We had spells when they were pinned back and they had their spells too because they’re a good side," said the defender.

"If there was maybe another couple of minutes we could’ve got one but it wasn't to be."

That meant Crowther's first outing at Roots Hall ended in defeat.

But the defender still enjoyed playing in front of Blues' fans for the first time.

"Despite the score-line I enjoyed it," said Crowther.

"I was surprised to get a half with H (Harry Taylor) coming off and it was good to play in front of the fans finally.

"I’ve been here nearly a month and it was my first home game but we're disappointed with the result."

Crowther is now hoping for more opportunities but knows it will be tough to work his way into the team with Taylor, Ollie Kensdale and Nathan Ralph all playing so well at the back.

"They're three excellent players and they’ve got lots and lots of clean sheets which proves that," said Crowther.

"I knew coming in would be tough but when the chances come you have to take them.

"I train as hard as I can every day and of course I want to play but it will be tough."

The Shrimpers now sit 17th in the table, two points above the drop zone.

But Crowther is not looking over his shoulder.

"We’re only looking up and we’ll try to win every game," he added.