MARK Hughes wishes Stanley had a midweek fixture to try and overcome the disappointment of last weekend’s game at Ipswich Town.

Instead, the Reds will have to wait until tomorrow afternoon to return to League One action, seven days after the 4-1 defeat at Portman Road.

Hughes said there was a frank and honest discussion when the players returned to training on Monday, and admits it was a display that was unacceptable.

“We spoke on Monday and we were really honest, we’re all on the pitch to win matches,” the central defender said.

“It’s a pity that we didn’t have a game on Tuesday to put it right.

“The management team won’t accept performances like that and collectively we were poor.

“It has hurt and it will do for a long time.”

Next up is the visit of a Southend United side who have won just one all season.

However, under new boss Sol Campbell, they have stopped the rot somewhat, with just one defeat in their last five games, including three successive draws.

And Hughes added: “They’ve got some good players in the team and they won’t be coming here to roll over.

“They’re batting and they’ve got a manger who was a top player, and he scrapped for everything during his career.”