Left-back Ahmet Biler felt Southend United’s under-18 side were unlucky not to get something out of their EFL Youth Alliance South East Conference fixture at home to AFC Wimbledon.

Blues were beaten 3-0 by the Dons as Bobby Unwin scored an own goal during the first half and Elliott Bolton and Ayoub Assal netted late on to put a gloss on the scoreline for the visitors at Boots & Laces.

And Biler felt defeat was tough to take.

“It was a difficult game,” said Biler.

“We knew it was going to be difficult but we worked hard and we were committed.

“We were determined to fight, so it was an unlucky result and we were unfortunate to concede two late goals. But we’ll bounce back and go again next week.”

Wimbledon took the lead after 14 minutes in fortuitous circumstances when Issac Olaniyan’s cross was headed into his own net by Unwin.

The visitors made it 2-0 five minutes from time when Bolton headed home and the Dons sealed their win in injury time when Assal slotted past Callum Taylor.

Blues: Taylor, Davis, Biler, Crowhurst, Wallace, Shala, Anyadike (K Coker 69), Brown, Adedoja, Lambourne, Unwin