BLUES boss Steve Tilson has urged the Roots Hall boo boys to stop barracking goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall.

The shot-stopper, who joined Southend from Yeovil Town during the summer, has conceded nine goals in his last two games and that has led to criticism from sections of the Shrimpers’ support.

They chanted the name of his predecessor Darryl Flahavan towards the end of the midweek 4-2 defeat against Leyton Orient.

But, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Carlisle United, Tilson defended the experienced keeper.

And he insisted Mildenhall was not to blame for the wretched recent results.

“The stick coming Steve’s way is just ridiculous,” slammed Tilson.

“I’ve watched every single one of the nine goals we’ve let in during the last two games again on DVD and I don’t think he’s to blame for any of them.

“These people chanting were probably the same ones who were on Flavs’ back last season for not coming for crosses.

“If they think it helps then let them carry on doing it, but we need them to be patient and it would be much better if they were to get behind us.”

Mildenhall and the under-pressure Blues back face another stern test this weekend against the Cumbrians.

They have scored four goals in both of their last two home games, against Yeovil and Crewe and are currently third in the early League One standings.

“Carlisle are a very strong side and it’s a long way to go which doesn’t help visiting teams either,” said Tilson.

“But we’ve had a chat among ourselves and it’s a game we’re looking forward too because it’s a chance to put things right.

“We need to dig in for a couple of months and then hopefully push on from there.”

Blues look set to change back to their usual 4-4-2 formation tomorrow but are waiting to see if full-back Dan Harding is available.

He struggling with tonsillitis and faces a late check on his fitness along with midfielder Lee Sawyer who has a groin problem.

Jean-Francois Christophe is on standby for his first start but Anthony Grant (back) should be fit.

Southend (from): Mildenhall, Francis, Clarke, Sankofa, Barrett, Betsy, Sawyer, Grant, Robson-Kanu, Barnard, Freedman, Walker, Harding, Revell, Christophe, Laurent, Joyce and Scannell.

l BLUES’ youth team, who are yet to lose this season, travel to Dagenham and Redbridge tomorrow, kick off 11am.

l WYCOMBE Wanderers manager Peter Taylor has expressed his delight at signing Matt Harrold from Southend.

“I’ve seen Matt play a lot of times for Southend and I really like him,” said the former Blues chief.

“He’s got a lot of quality and all the things you want from a big striker, so I’m really pleased to have signed him.”