Shell-shocked Southend United boss Alan Little found it difficult to defend his players following their latest collapse - Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Mansfield Town.

The Shrimpers chief watched in horror as his side committed soccer suicide once again, gifting the Stags all three of their goals, via poor marking, a penalty and yet another goalkeeping howler.

"We keep giving ourselves a mountain to climb and it's getting very frustrating," said Little.

"The players at this club have talent, but they are letting themselves, the fans and Southend United down time and time again."

Mansfield defender Leigh Brom-by headed the hosts ahead, before Blues' Scott Houghton hit back with his fourth strike of the season.

However, the Shrimpers failed to capitalise on the winger's long-range leveller, allowing the Stags to clinch all three points with further goals from hitmen Tony Lormor and Chris Greenacre.

It was a result which left the Seasiders sinking even further down the Third Division table to 17th position, extending their miserable run of form to just one victory from their last 12 games.

"It was the same old story yet again," said Little.

"All three Mansfield goals were give-aways from my team, they haven't carved us open once, and we created the only real goal of the game.

"Their first goal came from a six-footer who was allowed to stroll into our box unmarked and head home a free-kick, which is down to a lack of communication between our defenders.

"Houghton got us back into the game with his goal, but we put ourselves on the back-foot again when Leo Roget lunged at their winger and gave away a penalty when he should have cleared the ball in the first place.

"As for their last goal, I've said enough about keepers in the past so I won't comment on that one."

However, Little also found himself questioning his players' ability for the first time this season.

"I always try to analyse the problems that we create for ourselves in an effort to find a cure on the training ground," he added.

"But despite using the big squad at my disposal to field different combinations and systems of play, these schoolboy errors aren't going away.

"It's very hard to legislate for these mistakes and I can't coach them out of these players, which shows me I've got a personnel problem here."

Blues reserves take on Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday in the Avon Insurance Combination League at Roots Hall, kick-off 2pm.

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