BLUES goalkeeper Daniel Bentley is keen to start shutting out opposing strikers on a more consistent basis.

The Shrimpers have kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 games.

And Bentley is desperate to improve that record, beginning with tomorrow’s crunch clash with Chesterfield at Roots Hall.

“We haven’t been conceding a lot of goals but we keep letting in one a game and that’s something we want to stop doing,” said the Basildon born 20-year-old.

“We’ve let in goals that could’ve been eradicated and we all want to get another run of clean sheets going we did earlier on in the season.

“If we can do that then we have a great chance of picking up more points and it would be great to start that against Chesterfield tomorrow.”

Blues have let in a single goal in 10 of their last 11 games and have not conceded more than twice in the same game since losing 3-1 at Newport County in late October.

But, with Chesterfield in fine form, Bentley knows Southend will have to be at their best to keep them out.

However, he was also reluctant to heap too much importance on the game.

“Chesterfield are up there with ourselves so it’s a big game and it’s a big three points up for grabs but promotion or the play-offs won’t be decided by what happens here,” said Bentley.

“It’s still quite early on in the season but we’re looking forward to a difficult game and we will definitely be fired up to win it.”