SOUTHEND United’s caretaker manager Gary Waddock felt the Shrimpers fell well short of the ‘required standards’ during tonight’s defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion’s under 21 team.

Blues were beaten 2-0 by the young Seagulls in the Leasing.com Trophy at Roots Hall.

And Waddock could not hide his disappointment.

“I won’t beat around the bush, I thought the whole game was nowhere near the standard that’s required,” said Waddock.

“We didn’t do enough and it will be an easy decision for whoever picks the team on Friday.”

Waddock opted to make nine changes to his starting line-up for the game.

But he felt those coming in to the team did not make the most of their chance.

“I said to the players before the game it was an opportunity for them but did they take that? I don’t think so,” said Waddock.

“We can’t take anything from this but credit to Brighton. They have some talented players.”

Tonight’s defeat followed a disappointing 1-0 loss to Accrington Stanley at Roots Hall on Saturday.

But Waddock chose not to speak to the Shrimpers’ players after the game.

“I’ve left them with their own thoughts,” said Waddock.

“I’ve not said anything to them and that’s my call.

“I didn’t want to go into the dressing room.

“I’ll mull over my thoughts because I don’t want to go in there in this mood.

“Sometimes you can say things you regret.

“I’m quite calm normally but after a performance like that I’d rather mull over things and have a calmer conversation when I next see the players.”