Southend United boss Rob Newman should order his players in for extra shooting practice following last night's disappointing 1-0 Roots Hall defeat against Carlisle.

The Cumbrians claimed all three points five minutes from time when substitute midfielder Will McDonagh was left free to fire home at the far post.

The biggest culprit for the Blues was winger Neil Jenkins, who alone missed a hat-trick of golden opportunities with the goal at his mercy.

However, he can't take all the responsibility for this setback, which ended Blues' unbeaten Roots Hall record before it had even begun.

Blues skipper Kevin Maher's 13th minute corner found Jones, but the striker headed over when he should have really hit the target.

And the midfielder had a go himself eight minutes later, letting fly with a 25-yard drive that Carlisle goalkeeper Peter Keen did well to hold to his left.

Blues should have taken the lead on 24 minutes.

Jones swept the ball out wide to former Carlisle left-back Damon Searle and his low centre found Jenkins alone in the box, but he stood on the ball and the Cumbrians cleared their lines.

Three minutes later, the Border City club threatened for the first time when dangerous left-winger Ryan Baldacchino saw his venomous 15-yard drive blocked by Blues' outstanding defender Leon Cort.

Blues continued to break through Carlisle's rearguard at will after the interval, with Jones picking out midfielder Ian Selley, who dragged a penalty box shot wide of both Keen and the left-post.

But Carlisle were beginning to cause more problems of their own with Baldacchino starting to enjoy a field day on the left-wing.

Then the unthinkable happened in the 85th minute.

A quick left-wing Carlisle throw caught Southend substitute Stuart Thurgood flat-footed, allowing Baldacchino to pick out McDonagh, who side-footed the winner past a startled Flahavan from six-yards.

Published Wednesday August 14, 2002

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