Southend United's reserve team crashed to defeat against ten-man Peterborough United at Roots Hall in the Avon Insurance Combination League.

On a muddy quagmire of a pitch, Blues fell behind after 13 minutes yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon when Posh midfielder Tony Shields was allow to steal into the Shrimpers' box and head home from six-yards.

With 27 minutes gone, Southend midfielder David Lee blasted a free-kick into the Peterborough defensive wall.

However, it wasn't until the 32nd minute that Blues forced Dan Connor into a save when Daniel Webb flicked on Chris Porter's long goal-kick, allowing Tes Bramble to unleash a vicious half-volley, which the visiting keeper pushed wide.

Three minutes later, the Seasiders grabbed an equaliser. Winger Michael Black had two close range shots blocked by the Posh defence, but the loose ball fell to David Lee, who drilled the ball low and hard past Connor from eight-yards.

Within a few seconds the Peterborough goalie was sent-off in farcical circumstances as he ran out of his box to protest against David Lee's goal, claiming handball against Black.

However, as Connor charged angrily out of his area, his boot caught a patch of wet mud, which sprayed into the referee's face, who harshly brandished a red card.

Former Southend hitman Jason Lee was sacrificed as the visitors regrouped.

But Connor's dismissal didn't affect Posh too much and they were back in front seven minutes before the break.

Southend left-back Shane Wardley felled midfielder John O'Flynn inside the penalty area, leaving Posh striker Francis Green to convert the resulting penalty at the second attempt, after Blues keeper Chris Porter had parried his initial effort.

The second-half deteriorated along with the battered Roots Hall pitch. However, Peterborough always looked the more comfortable, despite their inferior numbers, and contained Southend with ease.

Green hit the post for Peterborough on 59 minutes after getting on to the end of a Gareth Jelleyman cross.

And Blues' best chance of an equaliser came in the 69th minute when young forward Webb headed a right-wing centre from impressive Southend defender David McSweeney just over the Peterborough bar.

Southend: Porter (Fisher), McSweeney, Wardley, Roget, Williamson, Black (Kerrigan), Newman, Lee, Webb, Bramble, Thurgood.

Earning his Spurs - former Tottenham midfielder Stuart Thurgood (right) in action for Blues second string in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat by Peterborough United at Roots Hall.

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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