Brown’s Shrimpers continue their slide
SOUTHEND manager Phil Brown urged his side to remain positive despite seeing their winless streak extended to nine matches with a draw against lowly Wycombe.
The Shrimpers have now taken just five points from the last 24 on offer.
But Brown, whose team remain in seventh, has ordered his players to not let their heads drop.
“We’ve got to where we are in the table by having a positive mindset and that has to stay now as well,” said Brown.
“I’m not looking at the teams below us, I’m looking at those above us and there were still some positive signs for us out there.
“We got ourselves in front but the goal we conceded, with their shot hitting the back of Daniel Bentley and going in, sums up our luck at the moment.
“Daniel is despondent about what happened but it really wasn’t his fault at all, it was just really bad luck.
“However, I also thought some of Wycombe’s tactics and how long they took to take throws and goal kicks were embarrassing and it’s all made it into a very frustrating afternoon for us.
Wycombe, who remain five points clear of the drop zone, came closest to scoring in the first half when Anthony Stewart’s header from Max Kretzschmar’s right-wing corner was superbly saved by Bentley.
Corr then had an effort ruled out for offside before he headed home his eighth goal of the season, nodding in Kevan Hurst’s right wing corner in the 63rd minute of the match.
Seven minutes later came Wycombe’s fortuitous equaliser when Paris Cowan-Hall’s 25yard shot hit the crossbar before striking the back of a grounded Bentley and rolling back in to the net.
The visitors then came close to winning it twice late on with substitute Dean Morgan having an effort tipped wide by Bentley.
But Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth was pleased to pick up a point.
“It’s a very good point away from home because Southend is a tough place to come especially when they’re itching for a win,” said Ainsworth.
“We definitely had a bit of luck with the goal but sometimes you need that.
“I felt sorry for their keeper because he had an excellent game and he didn’t deserve that but it’s great for us.
“We dealt well with Southend's pressure and they were very direct when attacking utilising Barry Corr’s ability in the air.
“We struggled a bit near the end but we dug in and I’m very proud of them.”