Southend United's caretaker manager Steve Tilson slammed the Shrimpers' "below par" showing at Scarborough last night as the non-league Seadogs progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory.
"We're obviously extremely disappointed, but we had too many players who didn't perform," said the 37-year-old.
"If we played like we have been doing lately then we would have won, but I don't know why the players didn't perform, we're gutted to be honest.
"We weren't good enough, though. It was a poor performance and we certainly told them that at the end of the game."
Scarborough striker Mark Quayle netted the only goal of a disappointing encounter seven minutes from time.
And that strike meant Russell Slade's men will now earn an extra £500,000 as they face a televised tie with Premiership giants Chelsea next Saturday.
"There was a lot at stake financially for the club and it would have been a great day and a great occasion for us to host a team like Chelsea," said Tilson.
"All the incentives were there for us but it was a bad display. The players shouldn't be nervous playing at Scarborough, but some of them looked edgy for some reason."
But Tilson was quick to praise the huge contingent of travelling Southend fans who followed their side to the McCain Stadium.
"We had fantastic support. I think there was over 800 of them there and they deserved better," said Tilson.
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Published Thursday January 15, 2004
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