SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley is determined to change his side’s sloppy starts to the second half.

Blues have conceded within 13 minutes of the second period in their last five outings.

And Molesley, whose side were beaten 2-0 by Port Vale on Saturday, knows that has to improve.

“It’s not on and we have to change that,” said Molesley.

“We have to do the basics right and we can’t keep shooting ourselves in the foot like we have done.

“Goals change games and when you’re down the bottom trying to build confidence it’s a bitter blow.”

Tom Pope bagged Vale’s first goal just three minutes in to the second half at the weekend.

And the manner of the goal also frustrated Molesley.

“It was definitely avoidable and that makes it even more frustrating,” said the Blues boss.

“The good news is we’re frustrated because they’re our own mistakes and we can fix them.

“It’s not like we’re being outplayed by anyone.

“We’re in the games and we’re having good moments but we’re not making ours count and we’re shooting ourselves in the foot at the other end too.”