MICHAEL Timlin has urged Southend United to learn from their mistakes of 2012 if they are to secure promotion via the League Two play-offs.

Blues were beaten 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final at Burton Albion yesterday.

And Timlin does not want a repeat of two years ago when the Shrimpers failed to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Crewe Alexandra.

“Looking back at that game I think we pushed too hard too early and thought we had to get an early goal to win the tie but that’s not the case at all,” said the 29-year-old midfielder.

“When we play at Roots Hall we get chances and we will have them on Saturday but we just need to make sure we take them.

“Staying patient will be the key and we have to remember we don’t need to win the game inside the opening five or 10 minutes.

“Against Crewe I think our game plan as a group of players was wrong but it took me a while to realise that.

“We drew 2-2 in the second leg that night but we’re still very much in this tie and we’re confident of turning things around.”

Blues will head in to the second leg 1-0 down after Brewers striker Chris McGurk bagged the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time.

Albion held on despite having centre-back Chris McGurk sent off for two bookable offences in the 60th minute.

And that frustrated Timlin.

“We’re disappointed and frustrated to have lost but in a funny way Burton being reduced to 10 men probably suited them a little bit,” said Timlin.

“They could sit back to protect their lead but we’ve backed ourselves to do well at home all season and we’re backing ourselves to do well again now.

“It’s up to us to deliver the goods and I’m much happier to be going back to Roots Hall a goal down than having to come here in the second leg.

“We will take the positives from this now and everything is still to play for as far as I’m concerned.”