Southend United boss Rob Newman accused his players of being "lazy" after last night's 2-1 derby defeat at local rivals Leyton Orient.

A nightmare first-half display from the shambolic Shrimpers gifted O's centre-back Ezomo Iriekpen a goal after just 51 seconds, before blundering Blues defender Phil Whelan headed into his own net before the break.

Substitute Southend forward Barrington Belgrave pulled back what proved to be a consolation strike during the second period, before being red carded for swearing at the referee in stoppage time.

Getting away - Blues sub Steven Clark evades a challenge from Orient's Matt Lockwood Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

And Newman, whose side slipped to 14th in Division Three, didn't mince his words after the game.

"I can't defend the players, our first-half performance wasn't good enough and we have given ourselves a mountain to climb by gifting Orient two goals," he said.

"We improved after the break, but it was too late by then and we can't expect to launch stunning comebacks every match.

"I want the players to be switched on from the start. This is the second game in a row we have conceded in the first minute which hurts me as I pride myself on defending.

"Our penalty area should be like our castle, but the players aren't doing enough to defend it.

"But I can't go on like this. I can't come out every week with the same old excuses and I'm going to have to change things."

Newman also condemned Belgrave for his unnecessary injury time sending-off.

"Barrington has sworn at the referee, got himself sent-off and will now be docked a week's wages -- it's as simple as that," he added.

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Published Wednesday October 30, 2002

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