THE last time Southend United faced Shrewsbury Town, Nathaniel Knight-Percival left the field on a stretcher after suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury.

But, on Saturday, the fit-again Shrews centre-back secured a far happier memory against the Shrimpers, bagging the only goal of the game at Roots Hall.

And Knight-Percival’s firm, second half header meant it was Phil Brown’s side requiring the care and attention.

Blues had gone into the game full of confidence after bagging their first victory of the season in their previous outing, brushing aside Peterborough United at Roots Hall in convincing and comfortable fashion.

Hopes had been high that the victory against Posh would act as a turning point for the Shrimpers’ season who would start to rise up in the League One rankings during a run of favourable looking fixtures.

However, Shrewsbury – who were promoted from League Two along with Southend last season – had clearly not read the script as they cruised to a well deserved 1-0 win.

In truth, Micky Mellon’s side never really looked troubled against a strangely subdued and below par Shrimpers who just never got going.

And, apart from a long range effort from Anthony Wordsworth which crashed against the top of the left post, Blues never looked like scoring either.

But more worryingly was the fact very few chances were created and there lies the biggest problem currently facing the Shrimpers as they attempt to adjust to life at a higher level.

For, after Saturday’s clash, Southend have netted just five times in eight games and just two of those goals have come in open play.

How to rectify that situation is now the biggest concern as more opportunities must be taken and converted if Blues are to face anything but a scrap for survival this season.

With that in mind, the make-up of the midfield will need careful consideration and it certainly did not look quite right against the Shrews.

David Worrall was not at his best on the right against his former side, Michael Timlin looked a little bit out of position on the left while Ryan Leonard and Anthony Wordsworth also failed to stamp their authority on the game.

In fairness, Shrewsbury’s formation did allow them an extra man in the middle and that could well have resulted in them dominating and dictating long spells of the game.

That will have given boss Brown food for thought but he is certainly not short of alternative options in midfield.

There is arguably more competition for places there than anywhere else in the Shrimpers side but the best and most balanced line-up has yet to be established.

Jack Payne, Myles Weston, Will Atkinson, Stephen McLaughlin and Gary Deegan are among those pushing for recalls as Blues will again be bidding to get their season going.

Next up is a trip to Millwall on Saturday where a more determined display will be essential, along with more creative qualities and some much needed speed which would help Southend become more of a threat in the final third.

How and if those qualities can be brought into the team, will be ultimately determine how successful the Shrimpers will be this season.

But last term’s dramatic promotion now seems an awful long time ago as Blues face up to an even tougher test at a far superior level.

So far, just six points have been taken out of a possible 21 and there was certainly a growing sense of frustration in the stands on Saturday.

The Shrimpers’ disjointed display was perfectly summed up right at the death when even Daniel Bentley surged forward for a last gasp corner, only for McLaughlin to send the flag-kick straight out of play.

That poor play resulted in derision from the home supporters who will now be demanding immediate improvements.

And, as a result, any repeat of the sub standard showing against Shrews will now certainly not be tolerated by the Roots Hall faithful.