Southend boss Steve Tilson called on his goal-shy strikers to find their shooting boots following the 2-1 defeat at League One rivals Millwall.Dave Martin's free-kick ensured victory for Millwall after Southend defender Peter Clarke handled.

The visitors had taken the lead when Nick Bailey lashed in a 25-yard shot before Gary Alexander restored parity, heading home Martin's corner.

The Shrimpers' miserable evening was completed with the dismissal of Darren Scannell for a lunge on Zak Whitbread.

Tilson - who saw his side's three-game unbeaten run stall at the New Den - said: "I am very disappointed with the result after going a goal up from a great effort by Nick. But I think Nick and Alan McCormack have scored 17 goals between them - and while that is a great achievement we need to get more from the frontmen.

"That has been our problem so far and if we are to put up a real fight for the play-offs we need out strikers to find the net. Going down to 10 men was unfortunate but it seemed to have revived us and we could have scored late on because Millwall were looking nervous."

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