Shrimpers count the cost after stalemate
CHRIS POWELL felt it was a missed opportunity for his Southend side as they drew at Accrington Stanley – a result which left him counting the cost of his walking wounded.
Stephen Humphrys scored the opener, before being carried off, with the home side earning a point via Dan Barlaser’s stunning goal.
The Shrimpers boss already has a big injury list and said: “Stephen has been brave and paid for it with a broken nose and probably concussion,” said Powell.
“He is going to be out for a couple of weeks. It was worrying when I saw it happen, I could tell it was serious and he went straight to hospital.”
Powell was frustrated as his side now have gone six games without a win – but have drawn their past two.
“It should have been three points,” said Powell. “We have had the better opportunities, but it is about composure in the final third.
“We are creating chances, but we haven’t worked their goalkeeper enough or haven’t taken them.
“Not many teams will come to Accrington and take the points, so you have to take your chances. For me, I feel it’s a missed opportunity.”
The game started in a slow fashion before bursting into life after 20 minutes.
Humphrys went for a long goal-kick, got his head to the ball and it looped into the net, but the forward collided with Stanley’s goalkeeper Jonny Maxted.
Both needed lengthy treatment with Humphrys caried off, while Maxted also departed as both sides were forced into early changes.
After the break, the home side pressed with Paul Smyth’s strike cleared off the line for the hosts.
The equaliser came through Newcastle loan midfielder Barlaser after 60 minutes. He got the ball 20 yards out and bagged his first league goal. Stanley boss John Coleman felt his side were a bit “flat” – but they have extended their unbeaten run to three games.
“In the first half, we were architects of our own downfall, it was a ridiculous goal to concede. Jonny has come off injured and has had a few stitches in his head.
“I felt the game was a bit flat going forward. The players have run themselves into the ground, but we didn’t make the right decisions today.”