Sturrock fumes at defeat

Disappointed manager Paul Sturrock rated Southend's 2-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Bradford as their worst away performance of the season.

James Hanson's 13th goal of the season and Craig Fagan's penalty, after Sean Clohessy was sent off for tripping Nahki Wells, put another dent in Southend's promotion hopes. "We are an exciting team usually and I am bitterly disappointed," said Sturrock. "This and other results leave us long shots to go up automatically, but we will fight to the end and miracles do happen. Two more wins should get us into play-offs." To compound Southend's misery they finished with nine men after substitute Elliot Benyon was red-carded when he appeared to kick Bradford left-back Rob Kozluk. Sturrock felt Clohessy's dismissal was "a bit harsh", but added: "I have no arguments with the second one and he will disciplined."