SOUTHEND United slumped to a third League defeat in succession, losing 2-1 to Blackpool at Roots Hall.

Armand Gnanduillet’s 83rd minute header secured the visitors all three points.

And the Shrimpers’ misery was compounded late on by a red card shown to centre-back Michael Turner.

Blues also lost key midfielder Dru Yearwood to injury in the first half.

But Chris Powell’s side did come close to taking an early lead when an audacious effort from Michael Kightly hit the inside of the left post from out wide of the right flank following a defensive mix up from the visitors.

However, after surviving the scare, Blackpool hit back and opened the scoring in the 14th minute when a fine left wing cross from Marc Bola was converted by Oliver Turton from close range.

In reply, Blues left-back Stephen Hendrie dragged a low, 20 yard effort wide of the right post before Simon Cox headed Harry Bunn’s right wing cross wide of the opposite upright.

With the Shrimpers continuing to search for an equaliser, Sam Mantom sent a well struck long range effort straight at Blackpool goalkeeper Mark Howard.

But, with 30 minutes on the clock, Blues were forced into making an enforced change as Yearwood limped off injured and was replaced by Shawn McCoulsky.

The change saw the Shrimpers switch to 4-4-2 but, at the start of the second half, Blackpool came close to doubling their lead when a screaming long range shot from Jay Spearing smacked against the underside of the crossbar.

Blues hit back in the 65th minute with Stephen Hendrie having a well-struck half volley pushed over the crossbar by Howard.

But, nine minutes later, the Shrimpers did draw back level when a fine move down the left hand side resulted in Timothee Dieng delivering a fine cross which Demetriou headed home at the far post.

However, Blackpool were not to be denied and in the 83rd minute the visitors made sure of all three points with Gnanduillet nodding in a left wing cross from Harry Pritchard.

A frustrated Blues then suffered a further blow with Turner being red carded following an off the ball incident.