ON the weekend of the carnival, Southend United had been hoping to stage their own celebrations.

But, due to a familiar frailty, the Shrimpers were short of joy and ended up fairly fortunate to pick up a share of the spoils against Bristol Rovers at Roots Hall on Saturday.

Simon Cox’s 81st minute penalty secured Blues a share of the spoils but his effort came after Phil Brown’s side had again been beaten from a dead ball situation.

Last season, the Shrimpers regularly paid the price for being unable to see out set pieces, conceding 23 times to surrender a succession of points.

And that area was certainly one where major improvements were needed if Southend were to push themselves higher up the League One standings this time around.

However, so far the signs have not been great and nothing seems to have changed.

Saturday’s header from Peter Hartley was the fourth time in four league games that Blues had succeeded from a set piece and it remains a huge area of concern.

Most sides will, of course, concede from corners and free-kicks from time to time, especially with the improved standard of delivery at this level.

But the Shrimpers are regularly shipping goals from dead ball situations and can simply not afford for it to continue if they are to move up the table and avoid a season of struggle.

How to sort the ongoing problem must now be right at the top of Blues’ to do list and a no nonsense, strong, commanding centre-back is certainly required.

However, defending set plays is not just down to the defence and signing a physical striker – which is also needed – could also help keep out the opposition.

Barry Corr, for example, played a key part in his own penalty area during his spell with Southend and Nile Ranger could also do a similar job when fit.

Ranger showed his importance to the Shrimpers during a stunning 20 minute spell at Sheffield United on Tuesday night.

The striker’s presence seemed to increase the confidence in the side as midfielders got forward knowing Ranger would be able to hold the ball up while he also brought the best out of Simon Cox.

But Ranger’s recent appearance record means he cannot regularly be relied upon and he is now out of action for the next five weeks with an ankle problem.

In his absence, another strong striker is required to occupy opposition defenders but making new signings is proving problematic for Blues this term.

The Shrimpers have missed out on a number of transfer targets, many of whom have ended up choosing clubs from a higher level.

Perhaps Southend need to become more realistic in pursuit of new players but fresh faces are certainly needed if Blues are to get into the top half of the table.

Saturday’s game was far from enthralling but there were still signs of promise for Blues.

Jack Bridge, in particular, looked very bright on the ball after his introduction, and the youngster certainly deserves more opportunities to prove his worth.

It was Bridge’s cross which also won the Shrimpers a slightly fortuitous penalty as Ellis Harrison was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball.

But the spot-kick – which was converted by Cox – was reward for Blues’ pushing forward as they showed a far stronger character to going behind.

Towards the end of last season and the start of the start of the current campaign, Southend struggled to come back from setbacks and resembled a boxer with a weak chin.

However, Saturday showed they are now made of sterner stuff but new signings are needed if Blues are to start landing knock-out blows of their own.