SOUTHEND United’s 4-3 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers felt like a ‘knife in the heart’ for Shrimpers boss Kevin Bond.

Blues led 3-2 heading into the final minute of normal time but were unable to avoid a fifth successive League defeat.

And Bond was left heartbroken at the final whistle.

“It was like a knife in the heart and I’m bitterly disappointed but we only have ourselves to blame,” sad Bond.

“We got a two goal lead and then another two goal lead so it’s hugely disappointing.

“It wasn’t about systems and we weren’t open but words fail me.

“We were a goal in front after 89 minutes and lost the game.

“I don’t know what to say.

“We never looked open but we just needed to show resolve to see out the game and we were unable to do it.”

Bond opted to change to a more defensive shape in the second half with goalscorers Stephen Humphrys and Brandon Goodship both coming off.

But the Shrimpers chief felt changes were needed due to fatigue.

“We had a lot of tired legs out there from a number of people,” said Bond.

“The substitutes we made we felt we had to make because they were lagging.

“I thought Layton (Ndukwu) would help us keep the ball which he did in fairness and I brought Andre (Blackman) on because Elvis (Bwomono) was out on his feet.

“But we need to show resolve.

“Nobody is going to get this out of this situation other than ourselves.

“It has to come from within.

“They smelt blood at the end of the game and we wilted. “