Powell laments lengthening injury list and missed opportunity

Southend boss Chris Powell felt it was a missed opportunity for a win after the 1-1 draw at Accrington and he is counting the cost of his walking wounded.

The Shrimpers boss already has a big injury list and Stephen Humphrys was added to it 20 minutes into the game after scoring the opener.

The forward went for a long goal kick, got his head to the ball and it looped into the net but Humphrys collided with Stanley’s keeper Jonny Maxted.

Both needed lengthy treatment, with Humphrys carried off and he went straight to hospital with a broken nose and suspected concussion.

Maxted also left the pitch as both sides were forced into early changes.

Stanley got back into it when Dan Barlaser unleashed a fierce 20-yard strike after 60 minutes as the points were shared for the two mid-table sides.

“Stephen has been brave and paid for it with a broken nose and probably concussion,” said Powell.

“He is probably going to be out for a couple of weeks.

“It was worrying when I saw it happen, I could tell it was serious and he went straight to hospital. Hopefully, he will be okay.”

Powell was frustrated as his side have gone six games without a win but have drawn their last two matches.

“It should have been three points today,” said Powell.

“We have had the better opportunities but it is about composure in the final third.

“We are creating chances but we haven’t worked their keeper enough or haven’t taken them.

“Not many teams will come to Accrington and take the points, so you have to take your chances. For me, I feel it’s a missed opportunity.

“Still it’s another point to our tally and they are vital.

“I am happy with the display from all the players but we do need everyone at the moment with our injury problems.”

Stanley boss John Coleman felt his side were a bit flat but they have extended their unbeaten run to three games.

He said: “I think a point was a fair reflection of the game.

“In the first half, we were architects of our own downfall, it was a ridiculous goal to concede.

“Jonny has come off injured and has had a few stitches in his head. It was a defensive mix-up which could have been avoided.

“They didn’t really threaten us in the first half apart from that and we missed a couple of good chances ourselves.

“But I just felt the whole game was a bit flat going forward. They stifled us and came with a game plan. The players have run themselves into the ground but we didn’t make the right decisions today.

“It was an unbelievable strike from Dan to get us back in it but we didn’t work their keeper enough throughout the game.”