SOUTHEND United manager Kevin Bond wants to see his Shrimpers side have learnt from their opening day setback when they host Blackpool at Roots Hall tomorrow.

The Shrimpers were beaten 1-0 away against Coventry City last weekend.

But Bond is keen for Blues to make amends in their first home outing of the new campaign.

“I would like to think we learnt a lesson from the Coventry game and the key is not to make the same mistake again,” said Bond.

“We all make mistakes but we can’t afford to make them again and we have to show that on Saturday.

“We didn’t start the game like we wanted last week but there were reasons for it.

“We couldn’t get after that like we wanted to but we have to learn from that and take that into the Blackpool game.”

In contrast to Blues, Blackpool kicked off the League One campaign with a 2-0 win against Bristol Rovers.

And Bond is expecting them to be tough opposition.

“Blackpool had a good win and we’re fully aware of their physical presence because they’re a big, strong side with a lot of energy,” said the former Bournemouth boss.

“They will be a threat so we have to make sure we don’t give silly free-kicks away and we need to stop as many balls as we can coming into the box.

“We have to deal with it but we have to go and give them problems too because if we’re not at it we’re going to get beaten.”

Bond looks set to make changes to his starting line-up for tomorrow’s clash and has had his options boosted by the loan signing of winger Layton Ndukwu.

Adding to that, Jason Demetriou and Timothee Dieng are also back in training.

And Bond is pleased to have more players to pick from.

“Tim is back training this week and he’s back in the reckoning along with Jason,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“It gives us another option and extra competition for places.”