Boss Steve Lovell felt for the Gillingham fans after his side turned in a poor performance at Southend.

They conceded three goals in the first 18 minutes and were never able to recover, eventually losing the match 4-0.

“I feel sorry for all of the supporters,” said Lovell.

“They supported us in their numbers but it was one of the most disappointing first halves I think I have ever been involved in, because I didn’t see that coming at all, and sometimes things like this hit you.

“I really don’t know where that came from.

Report: Southend United 4 Gillingham 0

“Credit to them, they got their goals, they started bright and goals change games. They got two free headers and we haven’t done that all season.

“It’s so disappointing for everyone to see that in the first half.”

Gillingham conceded a fourth after 40 minutes and that was enough for some.

Lovell said: “If I was in there as one of the supporters I would have most probably gone home (early) as well. No excuses, we were poor first half, that is what lost us the game.”

Gillingham’s hopes of a fightback were hindered when captain Lee Martin was sent off for a high tackle in first half stoppage-time.

Despite being down to ten men, the Gills managed to avoid the scoreline getting worse.

The manager said: “Second half we have defended really well and it is ironic that with 10 men you can do that but when you have 11, it doesn’t happen.

“I think certain individuals have to look at themselves in the first half, they let themselves and the team down and the supporters down, they do know that, but second half we have had a go.

“We had to roll our sleeves up and have a go and second half they were brilliant, they gave everything, which they have done all year. It is just that first half, I didn’t know where that came from.”