Powell in pain as Shrimpers surrender

CHRIS POWELL described his Southend side’s defeat to Rochdale as a “real dagger to the heart”.

Callum Camps 87th-minute header handed Dale their first victory at Roots Hall since 1985.

And Powell was frustrated by the Shrimpers conceding late on yet again.

“In virtually every defeat we’ve had at home this season we’ve got back into the game then switched off at the end,” said Powell.

“We want to win games but we have to respect the point. If we had done that this season we would have four or five more points and be in the top half.

“It’s a real dagger to the heart and it’s amazing how many times this has happened now.

“We’ve lost more games here than we’ve won and I don’t like that.

“It hurts and the first-half performance was unacceptable.

“We were fortunate it was only 1-0 at halftime and well done to Nathan (Bishop) for making some good saves.

“We had to change things at half-time to give them something to think about and we needed to be more proactive.

“We got back into it but then the goal we’ve given away at the end there is very poor.”

Dale boss Keith Hill was thrilled to see his side come out on top.

“From a game perspective, I thought the lads showed great honesty, a good appetite and a winning desire so I think we got our just rewards,” said Hill.

“We recovered well from last week, put in a good performance and got three points.

“There wasn’t any drama on the pitch and that’s good because I don’t like drama.”

Rochdale came close to taking an early lead when Joe Rafferty sent a half-volley over the crossbar from close range.

But, after 23 minutes, the visitors broke the deadlock as Jordan Williams out-muscled Elvis Bwomono on Dale’s left flank before sprinting into the box and sending a low, left-footed shot past Shrimpers goalkeeper Nathan Bishop.

Southend equalised in the 81st minute when Sam Mantom’s left wing corner was flicked on at the near post to allow John White to head home from close range.

However, Dale hit back six minutes later with Camps headed home Ian Henderson’s left wing cross to secure all three points.