BROMLEY boss Andy Woodman felt Southend United played ‘like it was a cup final’ this evening.

The former Blues goalkeeper was beaten 2-0 on his return to Roots Hall.

But Woodman refused to be too critical of his team who remain fourth in the National League table.

“It wasn’t our evening although we created some chances and didn’t take them,” Woodman told Bromley’s YouTube channel.

“George Alexander had a good chance in the first half and if he’d slotted that away it would’ve been a good start to the match.

“We had a few not quite on it but let’s give Southend some credit, it was like their cup final tonight.

“It goes to show how far Bromley Football Club have come when Southend are treating this like the biggest game of the season.

“Fair play to them, they were up it.

“We were up for it too but it just didn’t fall for us tonight.

“I can’t criticise my players too much though, it’s just one of those nights in the season.”

Blues scored twice in quick succession at the start of the second half but were thankful to a fine display from goalkeeper Steve Arnold.

And Woodman was also impressed by the Shrimpers shot-stopper.

“It wasn’t a great spectacle but they did a good job on us,” said Woodman.

“They defended for their lives and I thought their keeper was excellent too.

“He came and took everything but we were a bit unlucky.

“The guy has hit an unbelievable strike which Cous (Mark Cousins) has tipped out onto the post and it’s come out and fallen to them.

“Those margins haven’t quite gone for us but the second goal was my biggest disappointment.

“We haven’t been undone from a corner pretty much all season.”

However, Shaun Hobson’s header from Tom Clifford’s corner sealed the Shrimpers’ victory and made it a tough night for Woodman.

“It's a bitter pill to swallow but give Southend credit,” said Woodman.

“They’ve recruited quite a few players since we were meant to play them over Christmas so well played.”