Steve Tilson admitted that the first goal was always going to be the important factor in deciding today's game at Gillingham.

The Blues chief felt that a better decision needed to be made to clear the ball just two minutes into the second half and he felt that the player's heads may have dropped.

While Southend were chasing the game, they conceded two further goals, but Tilson maintains the belief while it is still possible to keep Southend in League One.

"The first goal was always going to be important today," Steve told Blues Player.

"We needed to make a better decision to clear the ball and it was a poor goal to concede.

"The heads go down and while we are chasing the game, they have hit us on the counter attack for their second and third goals.

"There was not a lack of effort today, but we got caught on the break when we were looking to score.

"Macca was out with a sprained foot from Saturday and it is another major player missing.

"The list is endless and with players not playing on top form, that wouldn't be the case if we had a bigger squad.

"With other results, we are probably down to needing three wins and a draw from our last six games.

"The games are running out now and it is going to be tough, but while it is possible, we have to believe we can do it."