SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley was a frustrated figure after seeing his side ‘fall short’ in this afternoon’s 3-0 defeat a t Bolton Wanderers.

The bottom of the table Shrimpers have now been beaten 11 times in 14 League Two outings this term.

And Molesley found the latest setback tough to tough.

“It’s a difficult one to take because we were masters of our downfall again,” said the Blues boss.

“We were competitive in the game but we’re falling short at the moment.

“We’re not punishing teams but teams are punishing us.”

Blues wasted two good opportunities to score with Brandon Goodship being denied by Bolton goalkeeper Matt Gilks when the game was still goalless.

Shaun Hobson also headed over from close range in the second half but Bolton had no such difficulties in front of goal.

“Again it falls to what you’re like in both boxes and we’ve been punished again today,” said Molesley.

“We’ve had good moments in the game and not made them count.

“Bolton are a very good side and when they got their chances they made us pay.

“Unfortunately we didn’t do that. “ Blues have scored just six League goals this season.

And Molesley knows that has to change if the Shrimpers are to avoid a second successive relegation.”

“We’ve got to be more ruthless and we have to keep believing in ourselves,” said Molesley.

“Unfortunately we are short of goals and we need to fix that as quickly as we can.

“We’ve got good players here and maybe goals are so important to us at the moment it’s a pressure thing.

“But it’s not for the want of trying, I know that.”