Woeful Athletic slide into drop zone

Athletic manager Richie Wellens has vowed to return to work with a smile on his face tomorrow as he tries to rally his weary troops following last night's (Tuesday) heavy home defeat by Southend United.

A 3-0 Boundary Park reverse was a stunning blow for Athletic and their fans.

Wellens' men dropped back into the Sky Bet League One drop zone on goal difference as a result, and with only two games remaining, the pressure is right back on.

Athletic host mid-table Doncaster on Saturday, before travelling to drop rivals Northampton on the final day (May 5).

After last night's crushing defeat, Wellens said: "I believe we're going to need four points now to give us a chance.

"Strange things can happen, but obviously for now, we've got to dust ourselves down and go again on Saturday.

"I've told the players that they're going to have to stick their chests out and look people in the eye.

"We're all disappointed, but now we need to come into training bright, do things properly and get a rsult against Doncaster.

"From my point of view there's no margin for error now.

"We've been in an okay run of form in terms of not getting beat, but now it's about the next game.

"I'll come back in on Thursday with a smile on my face and I'll do my very best to pick the players up.

"Picking players up is part of my job - I've got no other option."

Athletic were let down by woeful finishing before Simon Cox's second-half double inspired the Shrimpers to their fourth away win of the season.

The visitors needed just five minutes to break through as Shayon Harrison headed a corner against the post and Theo Robinson tapped in the loose ball.

Athletic striker Eoin Doyle could have levelled before Southend threatened again when Stephen McLaughlin forced a save from Johny Placide.

The home side controlled the rest of the first half, but visiting keeper Mark Oxley did well to grab Doyle's close-range header and several more chances went begging.

Southend sprung out of defence to double their lead in the 52nd minute, Cox firing in at the second attempt after his initial shot was only partially-saved by Placide.

Another clinical attack made it 3-0 just four minutes later as Sam Mantom's left-wing cross gave Cox the simplest of finishes.

Jason Demetriou hit the post for Southend, while Athletic sub Gevaro Nepomuceno did the same in stoppage time.