SOUTHEND United manager Kevin Maher admitted that his side ‘need help’ after suffering a 3-0 defeat to York City.

After suffering two red cards in the second half, Southend now have just 12 players registered for their upcoming Vanarama National League fixture list, one of which is also injured.

Goals from Thierry Latty-Fairweather, Maziar Kouhyar and Zanda Siziba saw York cruise to their first victory of the National League season, but Maher was still ‘proud’ of how his players performed in a chaotic match at the LNER Community Stadium.

 "I’m proud of the players and proud of the fans for how they supported the team at the end there and how they support this club.” Maher told the Southend Echo.

"But there’s so much out of control and all we can do is our best.

"We need help and something’s got to change because we can’t do anything about it.

“We fight every day for the football club as staff and players but other people need to step up and do what’s right for the club.

"The players have been unbelievable.

"I’m proud of how the players played here too, I thought they were outstanding.

"York only really got into our half once in the first half and had one shot from 25 yards or whatever it was that flew in the top corner.

“We were in total control of the game and were playing ever so well.

“We just needed a goal.”