NO matter what the team selection or tactics, Southend United would have found Saturday’s trip to table-topping Portsmouth tough going.

But, despite the Hampshire side’s fine form and lofty League placing, it was difficult not to leave Fratton Park feeling frustrated that Blues had not done more to test or trouble their hosts.

Two first half goals saw Portsmouth secure an eighth victory in succession but none are likely to have been quite as simple and straightforward as their one at the weekend.

As is becoming an increasing concern, the Shrimpers again changed their system – swapping from the 5-3-2 formation which helped them win at Luton Town in the Checkatrade Trophy on Wednesday night – to a flat back four.

However, the make up of the defence came as an even bigger surprise with right-back Elvis Bwomono lining up on the left of the back four and Taylor Moore – who is naturally a centre-back -being selected on the right hand side of the defence.

Speaking after the game, Shrimpers boss Chris Powell said Stephen Hendrie – the only fit senior left-back in the squad – was in need of a rest and had been left out to prevent another possible injury problem.

Hendrie has started just 11 games for Blues this season, a total bettered by 10 of the starting 11 on Saturday.

But, if his recent run of appearances had left him in need of a break, then the Shrimpers could have used Stephen McLaughlin at left-wing role, a role he scored in when entering the action as a second half substitute at Luton.

That would have allowed Bwomono to stay on the right hand side and given Blues better balance with players lining up on their natural sides of the pitch.

Bwomono finished last season at left-back for Blues and again showed real fight and determination when playing there on Saturday.

But, he is clearly much better at right-back, and it was that area of the pitch which arguably cost the Shrimpers the game at Fratton Park.

The hosts opened the scoring after just 11 minutes when Ronan Curtis’ left wing cross was diverted into his own net by Blues defender Michael Turner.

Portsmouth then came close to scoring from another trio of left wing crosses but the Shrimpers did not learn lessons from those scares.

Nothing was changed, nobody dropped in to support Moore and, as such, it came as no surprise when Portsmouth quickly added a second goal, from another left wing cross as Jamal Lowe headed home.

Blues did move things around at half-time with Bwomono moving to right-back and Moore back into the middle.

Suddenly, those left wing crosses were stopped and the Shrimpers did start to enjoy more of the ball.

Now, that could have been down to Portsmouth easing off and seeing out the game in a professional game which meant their goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray did not have a serious save to make all afternoon.

As a result, Blues have now slumped to five League defeats in their last six outings and will desperately be seeking ways to improve.

Of course, a lengthy injury list does not help the cause but the Shrimpers still possess the players to be performing far better than they are right now.

Without wanting to sound like a broken record, Blues need to discover an identity to get back on track and quickly decide on a settled system and style of play.

Constant chopping and changing can only cause confusion and, although injuries have caused some of the disruption, the Shrimpers need continuity and consistency to bring the best out of the players still available.

Without a recognised style of play, Blues will also not know how best to bolster their squad during the January transfer window.

A new striker should top the wanted list but, in a time, where Brexit negotiations mean most of the country have their eyes fixed on number 10, the Shrimpers must start playing closer attention to theirs.

For Simon Cox – who scored five goals in five games earlier this season – remains isolated in attack and has now gone four matches without a single opportunity being created for him.

That simply has to change and, in a way, Blues must get back to basics to stop the rot.

Right now, the Shrimpers sit second from bottom in the form guide and this Saturday they host the only team below them Accrington Stanley.

And that is a game Blues must win or they really will be starting to look over their shoulders.