Crewe tactics 'frustrate' Tilson

Tilson admitted Tuesday's game was a "boring" affair

Southend boss Steve Tilson was left frustrated by Crewe's defensive game plan following Tuesday's defeat.

The Shrimpers lost 1-0 to the second-from-bottom side in a game which Tilson told BBC Essex was notable only for its lack in attacking football.

"It was frustrating and not a good game to watch - they were very negative and scored with a set-play," he mused.

"So their game-plan worked and they've slowed the game down and it was one of the most boring games I've watched."

"Teams at the bottom [of the table] are going to come down and frustrate you," he acknowledged.

"The've seen us beat Tranmere and Bristol Rovers in the last two games and have come and defended very deep and with a lot of numbers and it wasn't a great game to watch to be honest.

"We've had a few half-chances, but with the amount of bodies they'd got behind the ball and how deeply they were playing it always going to be difficult to create clear-cut chances."

The result leaves the Southend 14th in League One, five points behind Essex rivals Colchester United, who they face this weekend.