ANYONE wanting a brief synopsis of Southend United’s season so far could have had exactly that against Burton Albion at Roots Hall on Friday night.

The Shrimpers were solid at the back and also showed a few neat touches in midfield.

But clear cut chances were few and far between and Blues were unable to find a cutting edge to kill off their opponents.

That was certainly the case in the goalless draw with the Brewers and it is becoming a reccurring theme for Phil Brown’s side, especially at home.

For in their 11 league outings at Roots Hall so far this season, the Shrimpers have bagged just 11 goals, the third lowest total in League Two.

Only York City and Hartlepool United, two of the bottom three teams, have netted fewer times at their own ground.

However, on their travels, Southend have also scored 11 times but that is higher than three of the five teams above them in the League Two standings and is actually the ninth best in the division.

The stark contrast in striking ratios is largely down to the approach of their opponents.

Away from home, the onus is on Blues’ hosts to attack and that results in the Shrimpers having more space to exploit.

As a result, their biggest attacking talent – Jack Payne – can get more in to the game and exert his influence on the game.

Payne currently leads Blues’ scoring charts with six goals to his name but five of them have come away from home.

At Roots Hall, his talent can often be nullified by visiting teams and Burton certainly did just that on Friday night in a game which lacked quality, creativity and any real excitement in the final third.

As a result, Blues have still yet to be involved in a home league game which has included more than two goals.

And they must find a way to hit the back of the net on a more regular basis at Roots Hall if they are to step up their push for promotion.

Playing two out and out strikers seems a popular suggestion among the supporters but such a formation would make it hard to include Payne in the starting line-up.

However, what is really missing from the Shrimpers’ attack at this stage is genuine pace.

Barry Corr is able to hold the ball up and brings others in to play, while Payne boasts great vision and quick feet.

Wingers David Worrall and Kevan Hurst can also be impressive on their day but none of that quartet boasts blistering speed to be able to get in behind an opposing defence.

Players with that quality should be top of Phil Brown’s shopping list when the transfer window re-opens in January or he could look to bring back Jason Williams from his loan spell at Conference South side Chelmsford City.

Williams is a raw talent at this stage of his career but he does possess the speed to cause defences problems which in turn would also create more space for the likes of Payne to take control.

Finding that right attacking formula will ultimately decide Southend’s destiny this season too.

At the other end of the field, the Shrimpers are quite steady, despite the uncharacteristic 4-1 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers in their previous outing.

But, with the consistent Ben Coker making a welcome return from injury at left-back, Blues bagged another clean sheet against Burton and now boast the fourth best defensive record at this level.

However, that solid platform can only be rewarded if Blues can do the business at the other end of the pitch.

And that is certainly the main conundrum and challenge facing Brown and his coaches as the club attempt to kick on after Christmas and secure a return to League One.