The match saw the Saddlers once again fail to make the most of their goal-scoring opportunities as, along with a slew of chances, they saw an Elijah Adebayo penalty cannon off the crossbar.
The Saddlers were rightly punished for their poor display as bottom-of-the table Southend netted the only goal of the game two minutes of normal time remaining as second-half substitute Emile Acquah helped his side secure their first win since March and first clean-sheet since January.
Speaking to the assembled media Clarke, who has several first-teamers out with injury, admitted his team entered a 'rubbish performance' before calling upon his team to step up and make their mark and take some personal responsibility for their display.