Latics crumble at Southend

Photo: Alan Howarth

CLOSE . . . Chris Taylor

SOUTHEND 3, ATHLETIC 0

NILE Ranger, Theo Robinson and Anthony Wordsworth got late goals as Athletic succumbed to 10-man Southend.

Ryan Leonard had been sent off for a lunge on Ousmane Fane five minutes before Ranger arrived at the far post to slot home from Theo Robinson's cross in the 75th minute.

That lead was doubled three minutes later when Wordworth's free-kick was nodded home at the far post by substitute Robinson.

And in the sixth minute of added time, a poor afternoon was complete when Wordsworth slotted in from the penalty spot after Peter Clarke had hauled down Jermaine McGlashan.

Athletic went close in the first half through shots by Chris Taylor and Josh Law that travelled a foot wide of goal, as John Sheridan's side enjoyed superiority.

Southend improved in the second half and Athletic were fortunate to keep 11 on the field when Ollie Banks tripped Simon Cox when he was the last line of defence just after the hour.

Leonard's red should have given Athletic a lift, but the quick-fire goals have now increased the pressure on next week's home match with Fleetwood as the race to avoid the drop intensifies.