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After three league victories on the bounce, Town showed their inconsistency that have plagued their season with a 1-0 defeat at the Galpharm Stadium to Play-Off chasing Southend United.
The only goal came from a dubious penalty given after the ball had hit Tom Clarke's hand from a Southend cross in which Lee Barnard converted for the Shrimpers.

Boss Lee Clark made on change from the 2-1 victory at Bristol Rovers in midweek, Michael Flynn dropped to the bench in favour for Michael Collins. The on-loan right-back Martin Kelly from Liverpool made his home debut playing at left-back after an impressive performance in Bristol. Clark decided with a 4-4-1-1 formation with Anthony Pilkington playing just behind the striker in Danny Cadamarteri.
Southend came to the Galpharm with 8 wins from their last 10.

Overall Town turned in a sorry performance and did not produce enough to break down the in-form side from Roots Hall who they beat 1-0 back in December down at Southend, Martin Kelly caught the eye with some neat touches and showed his character by battling on despite suffering from illness.

The visitors held firm against Town's late flourish when Andy Booth, Andy Butler and Gary Roberts threatened the Southend goal.
It would have been more convincing had Theo Robinson not been guilty for undoubtedly the miss of the season steering wide an open goal after Alex Smithies was beaten running out from his goal.

Lady Luck was on Southend's side, in a game that was not for the neutrals, when the Shrimpers were awarded a penalty on 63 minutes.
Midfielder Franck Moussa nipped past Pilkington to deliver a cross, Tom Clarke was unfortunate that the ball struck his arm which was down by his side. A dubious penalty, many of referee's wouldn't have given it, there was nothing deliberate about the penalty but the referee Mr C H Webster pointed to the spot.

Lee Barnard stepped up, the ex-Spurs player scored past Town twice last season whilst on loan at Crewe, and neatly dispatched the ball past Smithies that took all three points back to Roots Hall.

Lee Clark was critical of his team after the game and squashing rumours about the possibility of signing Hull City striker Dean Windass.
Clark is disappointed with Lionel Ainsworth's performance since joining the Terriers in January and was subbed with half an hour left to be replaced with Andy Booth. While Pilkington has blossomed since joining Town, Ainsworth had yet to find his form.

The performance by Town is typical of their season, inconsistency has plagued Town's season and against Southend showed it.
Sean's Star Man - Martin Kelly Was hard to give a man-of-the-match out after Town didn't perform at all. Kelly played well, showed some neat touches.

Teams:

Town: Smithies, T. Clarke, N. Clarke, Butler, Kelly, Ainsworth (Booth 58), Goodwin (Flynn 65), Collins, Roberts, Cadamarteri, Pilkington.
Subs not used: Eastwood, Berrett, Holdsworth.

Southend: Mildenhall, Francis, Dervite, P Clarke, Barrett, Scannell (Christophe 84), Grant, McCormack, Moussa, Barnard, Robinson.
Subs not used: Sanlofa, Freedman, Betsy, Laurent.

Referee: C Webster (Tyne & Wear)
Attendance: 12,203