Alvin Martin slammed referee Mark Warren for costing Southend United three points after Rob Newman and Mark Beard were red-carded during Saturday's goalless Roots Hall draw with Exeter City.

The defensive duo both picked up a double serving of yellow cards during the second-half, leaving the Blues chief fuming: "We have to accept these decisions, but I firmly believe that the referee has cost us a victory over Exeter.

"I thought both of the dismissals were very harsh and I'm sure that a more experienced official would have used a bit more common sense.

"I know the referee can back up his decisions by pointing out the rules of the game, but neither of the fouls which ultimately led to a second booking and a red card for both of my players were malicious.

"A word in the ear of the players concerned from the referee would have been sufficient action."

However, Martin added that he wouldn't necessarily be appealing against the dismissals.

"I'll study the match video and have a closer look at the offences, but I don't see much point in appealing against the referee's decisions as we haven't had much joy from similar situations in the past," he moaned.

"But I certainly won't be fining either player as they are good honest professionals who have been very unlucky."

Martin was happy that his remaining nine men had battled for a point against the odds, but felt they should have wrapped up a third consecutive Roots Hall league win during the first period.

"We had a few chances during the first-half and should have punished them then,"said Martin.

"When we did come close to converting these opportunities we found their keeper in sparkling form and he kept us off the scoresheet.

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