MARK Molesley felt his Southend United side only had themselves to blame following Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Port Vale.

Two second half headers from Vale striker Tom Pope saw the bottom of the table Shrimpers make it 13 games without a win this season.

And Molesley felt Vale's first goal, which came following a poor throw out from Blues goalkeeper Mark Oxley, played a huge part in the game at a wet Roots Hall. 

"We were in the game and we weren’t getting outplayed but we’ve been the masters of our own downfall again today," said Molesley.

"We made a bit of an error at a key time just after half-time and we need to start cutting them out."

Blues have now taken just two points from their 10 League outings this season.

And Molesley is keen to see a strong reaction to the latest setback. 

"Individuals have to take responsibility and we need to see that character now," said Molesley.

"We can’t keep waiting or thinking about the next game.

"We need to make an impact now and learn the lessons.

"There’s no hiding and we have to learn quickly.

"There wasn’t much between the two teams but you have to do the basics right and we’ve come up short a little bit on that."

But Molesley now feels a lack of confidence is a problem.

"You can see confidence is lacking at the moment and it’s up to us to pick them up and give them that but only wins can do that really," said the 39-year-old.

"There’s no magic formula or medicine.

"The process doesn’t change and we have to train hard and prepare the best we can.

"We haven’t gone short on the training pitch, our preparation or research and we will continue to keep working as hard as we can."