SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock was left ruing his side's final finish following their 0-0 draw with Port Vale at Roots Hall on Saturday.

Blues failed to convert a number of chances and were unable to find a way past visiting goalkeeper Chris Neal who made a number of fine saves.

But that left Sturrock feeling frustrated at the final whistle.

“All that was missing was the final finish and I'm disappointed we haven't won the game if I'm honest,” said Sturrock.

“Their goalkeeper had one of those days where everything he touched he saved and he must have made about four or five good stops.

“We also hit the post twice and it just wouldn't go our way.

“Crosses were just a little bit in front or behind people in front of goal and the knock downs just spun away from our players too.

“It was certainly frustrating but overall it was a positive performance against one of the best teams in the league and I think we're starting to look a much stronger side now.”

Blues have now not been beaten in their last four games but the draw also made it five home leagues without a win.

And Sturrock now feels Southend could be making a unique push for promotion.

“Dare I say this but if we draw our home games and win our away ones we will be there or thereabouts,” said Sturrock.

“Normally that is supposed to be around the other way but that's the way we are going at the moment.

“However, we now have system that we seem quite content with home and away.

“But we need more of the players to get used to it and will be trying to arrange a practice match this week for the likes of Freddy Eastwood and Barry Corr to play in.”

Corr and Eastwood both entered the action as substitutes in the closing stages but were unable to help Blues make a breakthrough – and neither could Britt Assombalonga.

The on loan Watford forward has now gone five games without a goal and Sturrock believes that is starting to play on the youngster's mind.

“Britt has been stuck on nine goals for a while and this 10th goal seems to be playing on his mind a bit,” said Sturrock.

“We have chatted about it and I do feel it is having an effect.

“You could see today he was trying to be really safe with the chances he had and things aren’t dropping for him like they were.

“It will come back as quality players don’t lose it and I am confident he will score again soon.”