ALTRINCHAM boss Phil Parkinson heaped praise on Southend United following his side’s 2-1 defeat at Roots Hall.

Blues fought back from a goal down to condemn the Robins to a fourth straight defeat.

But Parkinson was impressed with how the Shrimpers performed.

“In the first half they were outstanding and we scored against the run of play on a break away,” Parkinson told the club's YouTube channel.

“We had a couple of counter attacks but nothing major and I feared the worst with how good Southend were.

“I have to give them a lot of credit and they're a very good outfit.

“Our lads couldn't quite stand up to the pressure and conceded close together again. “

However, Parkinson took heart from the second half.

“In the second half the resilience to come back,” said Parkinson.

“We looked dead and buried because they were very, very good but we didn't roll over and we played our way which we looked scared to do in the first half.

“I saw enough in the second half to show green shoots of recovery.