SOUTHEND United boss Phil Brown felt Colchester United striker Frank Nouble was the difference between the two sides in the Essex derby.

Nouble, who made five appearances for Blues under Brown in the 2016-17 season, led the line impressively for the U's in their crucial 2-0 win.

He proved the perfect forward partner for goalscorer Michael Folivi and Brown acknowledged the on-loan Plymouth striker played a big part in Colchester's victory.

Brown said: “I’m not Frank’s (Nouble) biggest friend and I’m not his biggest enemy, either but I admire what he did.

"He held the ball up for them and that got them into the final third with a little bit more quality than we did.

“To be disappointed with the fact that Frank Nouble was the difference between the two sides hurts me a little."

Southend, who are second from bottom, are now eight points from safety with just three games to go after defeat at Colchester.

However, Brown stressed Blues will continue to fight in a bid to beat the drop.

"I don’t think this condemns us to relegation at all as far as I’m concerned and I’ll keep going," said Brown.

“I’ll do my job to the best of my ability but there was a spell in the first half where it looked like they’d lost the script.

“We don’t have enough heart, drive or determination in front of Mark Oxley to bail him out.

“If we go a goal behind the spirit of the group seems to be we’re beaten.

“I’m trying to get that belief back but it’s clearly embedded in the group.

“But we keep going.

“Am I down? Yes. Am I out? Not a chance.

“And if anyone dare say we’re finished then get out.

“They’re out the changing room.”

But Brown confirmed strong discussions would be taking place in the dressing room.

“There are one or two in there who have let us down but I won’t be saying who in public,” said Brown.

“If they don’t know who it is it will be pointed out behind closed doors before we prepare for what we need to be a winning performance against Leyton Orient.”