SOUTHEND United crashed out of the Essex Senior Cup at the third round stage tonight, losing 1-0 at Bowers and Pitsea.

The Shrimpers named first team manager Steve Tilson in the centre of the park, with goalkeeper Ian Joyce the only senior member of the squad in what was otherwise a very young starting line-up.

And Bowers took full advantage by scoring the only goal of the game in the 76th minute when an attempted clearance from Blues shot-stopper Ian Joyce struck Paul Carr and rebounded into the back of the net.