We were outplayed - Old Man Russ

Last updated : 24 March 2002 By Luke Thornhill
Speaking in the post match Press Conference Russ admitted that the Iron had underperformed against the Shrimpers.

“Obviously we are very disappointed, we want to win every game and give ourselves a chance of the third spot," admitted Wilcox.

“We've under performed today and all the lads know that, we've not blaming any individuals, it's just that we've under underachieved as a team and that's disappointing.

“I'm not looking for excuses but the first goal was a definite handball, not that I would use that as an excuse because we didn't deserve anything out of the game.

“We didn't create enough chances and the chances we did create were just half chances, and we have got to defend better. Apart from the two goals Tommy hasn't had a lot to do.

“With games like that you've got to stay tight and keep the score line 0-0, and hope that we can nick something from a set-play.

“The first goal is very important and we didn't get it, and after that they just shut up shop, with two banks of four and defended very deep. We couldn't get round the back, or get any balls through, we just couldn't break them down.

“Credit to Southend. We've got to be hungrier than that. They are just sitting out the season now, with nothing to play for.

“Today's result makes it even more difficult for us to get the third automatic promotion spot.

"You've got to win your home games. We've got to pick the points up Saturday in a massive game against Cheltenham.

“We're not going to put pressure on the lads and we will take the positives from the game.

"We just won three on the bounce before this, and we're obviously very disappointed, but we're just going to prepare ourselves for next weekend”.