Southend United manager Rob Newman admitted his players rarely looked capable of conjuring a goal during Saturday's 0-0 Roots Hall draw with high-flying Rochdale.

Eyes down looking -- Stephen Broad tussles with Rochdale striker Kevin Townson. Picture: TERENCE BUNCH 7WKYY11C

Blues' second blank stalemate in a row stretched their unbeaten run to four matches and lifted them up to 12th place in the Third Division table.

However, the Shrimpers' fans were treated to a painful spectacle as Southend struggled miserably to offer anything as an attacking force, registering just two tame efforts on target during the whole 90 minutes.

And Newman said his team had badly missed injured 13-goal top-scorer Tes Bramble, who was sidelined for Rochdale's visit.

"It wasn't a great game to watch and the bad weather played its part," he said.

"We created very little offensively and I think it showed that we are missing a few bodies in the forward department.

"Both Tes Bramble and Mark Rawle had to sit this one out through injury and we lacked that bit extra they give us around the box.

"We kept plugging away and tried to play football, despite the wind and rain lashing down continually, but in all honesty we never looked like scoring.

"However, I was very pleased with the way we defended because Rochdale had bright players up front.

"And if I can take a positive out of the game it is that we have claimed another clean-sheet."

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Published Monday, March 11, 2002