Striker Scott Vernon has urged his team-mates not to feel sorry for themselves following Saturday's 4-3 defeat at Bristol Rovers.

The Blues ended up on the losing side thanks to a last gasp own goal from Anthony Grant at the Memorial Stadium.

That was despite leading 2-0 at one point and Vernon now wants Southend to pick themselves up for two big matches over the Easter weekend.

"Football can be a cruel and horrible game at times, and this shows that," Vernon told Blues Player after the match.

"It was a great spectacle for the fans and any neutrals, but it's hard to take. When you go 2-0 up like we did, you should just not the lose the game.

"It shouldn't happen, but at the same time with the position we're in we just can't afford to feel sorry ourselves."

The defeat leaves Blues 22nd in the League One table, two points from safety.

But Vernon, who is on loan at Roots Hall from Colchester United, is confident Steve Tilson's side can still stay up.

And he is demanding a return to winning ways next weekend as the Blues face both Yeovil Town and Gillingham in quick succession.

"It's tough to take, but come Monday we have to move on and look ahead to a busy weekend which will be very important," said Vernon.

"We have Yeovil on Saturday and Gillingham next Monday and we need to pick up points.

"Since I've been here, we haven't been outplayed once and we fancy our chances against anyone.

"We're all still confident we can stay up, but we have to start getting more points."