Wanderers forward Craig Mackail-Smith admitted letting a side of Southend's calibre get a 3-0 lead wasn't good enough as the Shrimpers held off a late fightback to hold on 3-2.
Mackail-Smith was the catalyst for that comeback with a wonderful volley from 20 yards with eight minutes to go before Adebayo Akinfenwa made it two with five minutes remaining.
However, Southend managed to win and keep Wycombe winless at home in the league this season.
Mackail-Smith said: "It was disappointing.
"We gave ourselves a lot to do. We started playing in the 83rd minute and it isn't good enough.
"You can't expect to give a team of Southend's quality a 3-0 headstart and expect to get something out of the game.
"It is something we need to work on but we have quick turnaround now and hopefully we can right the wrongs of this defeat."
Mackail-Smith came off the bench to score with a stunning strike so spark hopes of an incredible result.
He said: "We were piling on the pressure and Randell Williams came ouf of nowhere with an unbelievably long throw.
"I think it was flicked on by Bryn [Morris] and I was really relaxed.
"I wasn't trying to smash the life out of it. I just hit it so cleanly and saw it go in.
"I wanted to celebrate but I knew were 3-1 down so we ran back to the centre circle and went again.
"I am disappointed I only have two goals so far but it was nice to get one here and hopefully I can go on a run."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article