Sturrock: We deserved to lose

Sturrock: Brentford deserved winners

Paul Sturrock had no complaints after watching Southend bow out of the FA Cup at Brentford on Tuesday, admitting his side were second best.

The dominant League One hosts booked a home tie with Chelsea thanks to a thrilling 2-1 third-round replay win at Griffin Park, but they had to sweat until Clayton Donaldson's 76th-minute winner after coming up against former goalkeeper Paul Smith in inspirational form.

Paul Hayes gave the impressive Bees the lead before the Shrimpers clawed their way back into the game after 68 minutes with a rare attack when Barry Corr headed home Ryan Leonard's cross at the far post.

"It's not often you come up against a side of that standard," Sturrock said. "Paul Smith was outstanding and kept us in it but there were shots coming in from all over the pitch and Brentford were deserved winners in the end.

"We did well to get back in it but Brentford are a very, very good side and they have earned the game against Chelsea.

"We now have to concentrate on getting mean and lean again in the league."