Southend United defender Mark Beard protested his innocence following Blues' 1-0 reverse at Third Division basement boys Swansea City on Saturday.

The right-back conceded a second-half penalty, converted by home striker James Thomas, after being harshly adjudged to have fouled the Welsh side's winger Lee Jenkins.

This defeat ended Blues' three match winning streak and left them eighth in Division Three.

Flashpoint - Blues' Mark Beard (left) in action just before Swansea were awarded a dubious penalty

"I couldn't believe it when the referee gave a penalty as I never touched their player," said Beard.

"The ball came into our box and I tackled one of the Swansea lads, before getting up to block another one as he rushed in.

"I never lunged at the player and I thought the ref must have made a mistake and awarded it for handball.

"It wasn't until after the game I discovered he thought I had taken out their man, which was absolute nonsense and left me very unhappy."

And the 28-year-old defender said Worcestershire official Mick Fletcher's blunder turned the game on it's head.

"We were well on top at the time and trying to make the breakthrough," added Beard. "Swansea were on a bad run, looked really nervous and we knew one goal would be enough to nick it."

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Published Monday October 21, 2002

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