A FRUSTRATED Kevin Maher felt Southend United should have had a penalty in their 0-0 draw at Hartlepool United.

Referee Richard Aspinall showed Blues substitute Jack Bridge a yellow card after adjudging him to have dived following a tangle with the hosts’ Terrell Agyemang in the box.

But Maher did not agree with the decision.

"I’ve watched it back and Bridgey has got ahead of their guy,” said Maher.

“He’s tried to get his left foot in behind the back of Bridgey and it’s a penalty for me.

“The referee has tried to get himself out of it by booking Bridgey but it’s a foul and you can see it clearly.

"Anywhere else on the pitch that goes in our favour but we couldn’t get a decision all day."

And it was not just the penalty decision which annoyed Maher.

"Right at the end time is up and they’re putting the ball in the box," said the Blues head coach.

"He puts the whistle in his mouth but then waits to see the ball go in the box and then decide.

"The standard is so frustrating."

Maher made his feelings known on the touchline and was shown a yellow card for his protests.

But the 47-year-old was also left perplexed but that decision.

"I get booked because I asked why he’s not given the penalty," said Maher.

"I don’t swear or anything like that but I still get booked.

"We’re held accountable and it’s easy to get booked now but they’re not accountable.

"It’s a hard job but get the big decisions right."

The Shrimpers held firm to secure a share of the spoils to make it nine matches unbeaten.

But Maher thought Blues, who are now 11th in the table, could have won in it the second half.

“On the balance of the second half I hoped we could’ve got one,” said Maher.

“It’s always a tough game here and we’ve got to be pleased with a point although perhaps we could’ve taken all three."

"In the first half out of possession our shape was good and they didn't really open us up but I don't think we looked after the ball well enough so you spend more without it.

"In the second half we grew further into the game but couldn't get the goal."