A CHANGE in management was unable to stop Southend United’s struggles as fellow strugglers Shrewsbury Town recorded a 2-0 win at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers parted company with manager Chris Powell in the week, with Ricky Duncan named as caretaker boss.

But the alteration failed to spark Blues back into life as their winless streak extended to 12 matches.

After a quiet first half which did not include a single shot on target for either side, Shrewsbury took the lead in the 50th minute with Fejiri Okenabirhie on target.

The Shrews striker nipped in ahead of Southend skipper Rob Kiernan and sent a low 18 yard shot into the back of the net via the inside of the left post.

The visitors soon came to adding a second with Okenabirhie sending a scuffed shot against the foot of the right post before Blues’ caretaker boss Ricky Duncan replied by making a double change in the 65th minute of the match.

Luke Hyam was brought on to replace Dru Yearwood while Charlie Kelman took the place of Harry Bunn as the Shrimpers looked to get back into the game.

But, just four minutes later, the Shrews doubled their lead when James Bolton’s right wing cross was headed home by Luke Waterfall at the far post.

Blues registered their first shot on target in the 81st minute with Simon Cox having a well struck left footed shot gathered by Shrews goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell at the second attempt.

Moments later, Kelman fired wide of the right post before Timothee Dieng’s header from Kelman’s cross was easily held by Mitchell.

The Shrimpers remain 20th in the table, above the relegation zone on goal difference.