Southend United midfielder Mark Bentley was left cursing the Shrimpers' luck after Steve Tilson's side continued their shot shy start to the new season on Saturday by drawing 0-0 with Cambridge at Roots Hall.

The Seasiders wasted a succession of first half chances against the U's and Bentley, who missed three of his own, reckoned the League Two outfit were unfortunate not to claim their first win of the campaign.

"It could and should have been more than a point for us and I'm so disappointed," said the former Dagenham and Redbridge battler.

"Again we've had around 70 per cent of the play and we've created three or four great chances, but we need to start putting the ball away because we're not getting the luck right now.

"It's the same old story but we are working so hard on our finishing in training. We just need a bit more quality, composure and luck in the final third because we have got to start scoring goals."

Bentley added he was disappointed not to get on the score-sheet after hitting the Cambridge cross bar with a well struck, left-foot shot.

"It was going in until it hit Wayne Gray's shoulder on the goal-line," said the 26-year-old.

"That sums up the way things are going for us right now, but I had some great chances and should have done better with a header I had as well - I know that."

Published Monday August 23, 2004

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