Boss: Shrimpers were shocking

The Shrimpers were comprehensively brushed aside at Roots Hall in a crunch clash on Tuesday night which saw Paolo Di Canio's side seize second spot in League Two.

"It was the poorest performance I have had since I have been at Southend," Sturrock fumed.

"We were sluggish, lethargic and you cannot get away with being like that against a team like Swindon. They have played Tuesday, Saturday and Tuesday but it was hard to see which was the fresh team.

"We gave away bad goals and our goalkeeper will put his hand up for a couple of those; the midfield were chasing shadows and the two strikers did not do what they were asked to do.

"It was not good enough all over the pitch and the players must now look at themselves in the mirror and stand up and be counted.

"I will be looking for a reaction at Plymouth on Saturday but it will be another hard game."