THE miserable start to Niall Quinn's managerial career showed little sign of improving as his struggling Sunderland side went down 3-1 to Southend at Roots Hall yesterday. The Black Cats found themselves on the back foot for most of the game against a side who were two divisions below them last season.

Quinn this week urged his players to show more selfbelief as they adjust to life in the Championship, and he made four changes to the side which lost to Plymouth last week.

But the home side went ahead in first-half stoppage time when centre-half Adam Barrett finished a fine move with a firm header. A second from Barrett and a third from Lee Bradbury sealed the win before Jon Stead scored a consolation goal for the visitors. The result will surely add to speculation that Quinn is looking to secure the services of Sam Allardyce who is said to be unhappy at the lack finances to sign new players at the Reebok Stadium.

Elsewhere, Ireland's Willo Flood scored in the 83rd minute to secure Cardiff a one-nil away win over Leeds United.