Southend United boss Alan Little was honest enough to admit his team had been beaten by the better side following last night's 1-0 loss at Oxford United.

A solitary second-half goal from midfielder Matt Murphy was enough to settle this Worthington League Cup First round, second leg tie in Oxford's favour as the Second Division outfit cruised through to the second round 3-0 on aggregate.

Little always knew his men faced an uphill struggle after their 2-0 defeat at Roots Hall in the first leg a fortnight ago, but he was pleased with the way his side went about their task at the Manor Ground yesterday evening.

"I thought we stuck at it against Oxford, who were a good side and fully deserved their victory," Little said.

"Our performance was better than it has been of late and we certainly had more shape about the team and passed the ball a lot better.

"We started off well and enjoyed a good first-half in which we more than matched Oxford, but they played the game at a far greater tempo than they did at Roots Hall.

"Their passing was superb and they cut straight through us at times as they showed just what they are - a quality team which was playing First Division football last season."

Although Little was pleased with his team's display, despite the defeat which led to a cup exit at the first hurdle, he said he was disappointed with the performances of his Neville Roach and Neil Tolson front pairing.

"I felt that our front two let us down at times," Little added.

"They disappointed me because they didn't take advantage of the hard-work their team-mates had put in getting the ball forward to the Oxford box."

Little was also upset about the manner in which Oxford scored their all important winning goal.

"Our keeper Mel Capleton called for the ball, but remained rooted to the spot and never got near the cross which led to their boy heading in the goal," he explained.

"Although I wasn't happy with the way we defended the near post and gave Murphy a free header - it was a disappointing goal which killed off the tie.

"But I do think my men can take confidence from the way they played against Oxford, which should hold us in good stead for Saturday's trip to Swansea City."

Killer blow - Southend United goalkeeper Mel Capleton, right, watches the ball fly past him into the net to give Oxford United a 1-0 win (3-0 on aggregate) in their Worthington Cup first round, second leg clash last night

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