IT was a frustrating evening for Nigel Clough as he believes the Brewers should have sown up a win in the first half before Southend turned the tables after the break to record a 2-1 win.
The Albion manager said: "The majority of the performance was very good tonight and the game should have been over and finished by half-time. It was total domination at times in the first half and you have to get more than one goal.
"The reason we haven't won the game is the wasted opportunities in the first half. There were so many of them the game could easily have been won. Then we didn't start the second half as we finished the first half and allowed them encouragement and let them back in it. They scramble in a corner and we end up losing a game that should have been a comfortable victory.
"We told the players at the break that as good as it as it was only half-time. We knew they would improve and probably change formation and come out and have a go in the second half. They upped it without a doubt and we didn't match that nor our performance in the first half.
"There was some sloppy unprofessional play in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
"The number of opportunities we have had in the last two games we shouldn't have just scored one goal. That's the problem at the moment and whoever the chances fall to have got to start finishing them.
"They have had three efforts tonight and have scored two goals.
"We have to do better in the final third becuase the performance at times in the first half was superb - the best we have played at times."
The Brewers were without Ben Turner at the heart of the defence after he picked up an injury.
Clough said: "Ben picked up a tight hamstring and didn't train yesterday so it was more precautionary than anything."