The Cumbrians appeared to have done enough to earn a point only to have it snatched away in the dying minutes, when Southend's Kevin Maher hit the winner.

The defeat leaves Carlisle with only one win from ten games, as the problems begin to mount for manager Roddy Collins.

The Carlisle manager was less than impressed and said after the game: "Southend didn't win tonight, we gave them the game. There is no point blaming individuals but we let in two howlers. Collectively we worked hard and deserved at least a point, but gave away the goals that cost us the points.

Some players have not come up to scratch but they have been given a fair crack of the whip. I am paid to put things right and that's what I'll do. I will still be bringing more players in."

Carlisle found themselves under early pressure with the Shrimpers Carl Carl Hutchings' long throws proving a real threat.

A 7th minute throw was flicked on by Leon Cort but Lee Andrews did enough to unsettle Stuart Thurgood and force the ball to safety.

Daniel Kerrigan then threatened from 30 yards with Luke Weaver relieved to see the ball flash past his left hand post.

As Carlisle's neat approach play started to dominate they took the lead on 24 minutes. Steve Halliday nipped in to steal the ball, when Maher and Cort got in a tangle, before releasing Richie Foran with an inch perfect through ball. The inform Irishman drew keeper Darryl Flahaven before finishing in style.

Southend immediately responded with Webb shooting over from Hutchings' cross.

Harris then went close for the Shrimpers, forcing Weaver into a full length save, with Mark Winstanley clearing the loose ball.

The equaliser came with a minute of the half remaining when the Carlisle defence failed to clear another Harris throw. Central defender Phil Whelan had time to flick an overhead kick over the advancing Weaver into the empty goal.

Southend took the lead on 54 minutes when a Maher free kick was cleared to Thurgood who headed forward for Webb to get in ahead of the hesitant Weaver to score.

Carlisle went close with a Foran turn and shot before Weaver needed two attempts to save Maher's 30 yard shot at the other end.

As the initiative swung Southend's way Hutchings and Harris spurned chances but Carlisle looked to have earned themselves a point when substitute Tony Hopper scored with an over head kick, from a Foran flick on, with seven minutes left.

The celebrations proved to be premature as Southend snatched a dramatic winner with two minutes to go.

Kevin Maher lobbed a hopeful ball forward and was delighted to see the ball end up in the net as Weaver failed to make contact, under pressure from Webb.

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