Southend United conceding four goals in their home defeat by Barrow was "unacceptable", boss Kieron Dyer said.

The Shrimpers' 4-2 defeat at Roots Hall meant they lost ground on the National League's early pacesetters Boreham Wood, with Dyer's second-placed side now six points off top spot.

Saturday's result ended Southend's five-match unbeaten run and also meant they have kept only one clean sheet in their 10 league matches so far in 2026-27.

"It's not good enough - we need to get back to the basics of defending" Dyer told BBC Essex.

"It's something I'll have to sort out. If that means sacrificing a flair player to get more structure and strength in the backline then so be it.

"We have to be better. If teams are going to put it on us then we have to work hard on the training ground and come up with solutions.

"We have money to spend. It's not a threat or warning to our players but we can bring in some real experience in that area, so let's see what happens."

Dyer's side return to action with Wednesday's trip to 13th-placed Eastleigh.