SIMEON Akinola felt Southend United should have sewn up victory in the first half of tonight’s clash with Cambridge United.

Blues were beaten 2-1 by the U’s at Roots Hall despite leading 1-0 at the break.

And Akinola, who bagged the Shrimpers' goal, felt Mark Molesley’s side paid the price for failing to convert any of the other chances that came their way.

“It should have been done and dusted in the first half,” said Akinola.

“It could have been 3-0 at half-time and we could have locked up shop after that.

“But we didn’t take our chances, including myself because with the one on one I have to do a lot better there.

“It’s painful but we have to learn from this now and go again on Saturday for another massive game.”

Akinola did give the Shrimpers the lead with a close range header from Sam Hart’s corner.

But the 28-year-old ultimately took little satisfaction from his second goal for the club.

“It’s always nice to score but goals mean nothing if the team doesn’t get anything from the game so it’s bittersweet,” said Akinola.

“It was a game of two halves.

“We weren’t clinical in the first half and we didn’t start quickly enough in the second.”

However, Akinola also felt fortune was not on Blues’ side.

“Sometimes you need that bit of luck and it didn’t seem we had that tonight,” said the striker.

“An inch to the left and it’s 2-2 with my shot which hit the post.”

The defeat keeps the Shrimpers at the foot of the League Two table.

But Akinola is already looking forward to facing Mansfield Town in another home match this weekend.

"Every game is massive now when you’re in the position we’re in," said Akinola.

"We’re not under any illusions wither and know we haven’t done anything yet.

"All we’ve done is given ourselves a chance.

"We have to go again on Saturday now and hopefully we can continue the form we have before this game.