MARK Milligan felt Southend United were their own worst enemy in Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Lincoln City.

The Shrimpers have now been beaten in their first three League games of a season for the first time since 1992.

And Milligan thought Blues contributed to their own downfall at Sincil Bank.

“We didn’t give ourselves a chance,” said the midfielder.

“We started very well and it was very positive to begin with.

“For the most part I thought we were in control but then we conceded a goal and we seem to be continuously compiling our own errors.

“When you do that it’s very hard to win games.”

The Shrimpers were punished for their poor defending and have now gone 22 competitive fixtures without keeping a clean sheet.

But, despite being disappointed, Milligan does not want Blues to dwell on the defeat as they prepare to face Peterborough United at Roots Hall on Tuesday night.

“You learn lessons all the time but we need to have a good look at this and we need to do it quickly because there’s a very short turnaround and we go again on Tuesday night,” said Milligan.

“We can’t let this become a trend. But this does hurt because the boys care and want to turn this around.

“Goals change games and we need to react better to these situations but we need to get that positive mindset back now and we have to react.”

Peterborough have also made a slow start to the season, taking just one point from their first three games.

And Milligan is keen to add to Posh’s problems.

“We need to get off the mark but if you dwell on this game (Lincoln) you’ll be in a bit of a strife,” said Milligan.

“We need to find a way to move on from this and we can’t let this affect us.”