ALDERSHOT Town boss Tommy Widdrington felt “harshly treated” following his side’s 4-1 defeat at Southend United.

Shots led 1-0 before having Rollin Menayese sent off for a professional foul on Danny Waldron at the start of the second half.

And Widdrington thought the whole match changed after two decisions went against the Shots in quick succession.

“It's a disappointing result and people who weren't here might think we got walloped but that was very much not the case,” Widdrington told the club’s YouTube channel.

“You've got to give Southend credit for taking advantage of the decisions they gained.

“We felt harshly treated and the game changed in a two minute period.

“A decision went against us in one half of the pitch and then another decision went against us in the other half.

“That had a quantum shift in terms of the way the game was.”

But Widdrington felt Aldershot were in control before being going down to 10 men.

“We were comfortable at 1-0 I felt,” said Widdrington.

“They had possession in the first half but I thought we looked really, really cutting on the counter.

“If anything you've got to have a go at the lads at the front end of the pitch for not putting the game to bed by half-time.

“That's my only disappointment really, we missed chances galore in the first half.”

However, it become far tougher for the sixth placed Shots when down to 10 men.

“Because of the way Southend play and overload you in wide areas we were stuck really,” said Widdrington.

“It was always going to be dig in, sit in and get some scraps.

“We had a penalty shout we didn't get it and Lorent (Tolaj) missed by inches with a header.

“I have to give the lads credit because it's a difficult situation with 10 men for 40 minutes so I won't be harsh on them.”

And Widdrington will not hold his players responsible for the defeat.

“I don't dwell on victories or defeat,” said Widdrington.

“You do look for reasons why and on this occasion it's external reasons.

“There's nobody in there who is solely culpable for that result in my dressing room.

“If people who govern the game don't agree with me there then I'm perfectly open for a great conversation over a video to watch that game back.”