The final say: 'Flat' Southend United must find a way to stop season fizzling out

A Ruben Rodrigues hat-trick handed the Magpies a well deserved win at Roots Hall.

And, after 13 National League matches without defeat, Blues have now been beaten in four of their last five games having also suffered three defeats in succession.

The reasons for the conflicting results are perhaps quite widespread and most certainly include the list of unavailable players right now.

The impact Kacper Lopata’s return to Sheffield United has had on the rearguard is glaringly obvious as too is the impact his voice and organisational skills had on those around them.

The statistics also back up Lopata’s influence on the Shrimpers as in the 18 games he played just 19 goals were conceded.

However, in the 11 games the Pole did not play in since Kevin Maher’s appointment Blues have been breached 23 times.

That means on average Southend conceded 2.09 goals a game without Lopata compared to 1.055 with.

Right now, there is little else Blues boss Kevin Maher can do to improve his defence but it is certainly an area the Shrimpers will need to address during the summer.

For now, Nathan Ralph’s absence – due to a thigh problem – is also hitting Blues hard and, with Ollie Kensdale joining him on the sidelines, Maher has just three fully fit centre-backs available.

That tally includes short-term loan signings Kenny Clark and Joe Gubbins and it does seem the rejigged rearguard is taking time to readjust, most notably from set pieces.

The Shrimpers had conceded three goals from dead ball situations in their two outings prior to facing the Magpies.

But Blues were again undone by a set-piece on Saturday as Rodrigues opened the scoring by volleying home Harry Arter’s free-kick into the box.

The midfielder’s opening effort came after the Shrimpers had in fact started the contest reasonably brightly.

However, it is not just at the back where Blues are missing players as Harry Cardwell’s continued absence is hampering their attacking intent.

Moving forward, chances are now in shorter supply and, after a spell of seven goals in nine games, Matt Dennis has now netted just once in eight outings.

The on loan Norwich City youngster seems less comfortable in a two man attack and, alongside him, Sam Dalby has netted just once from open play in 19 games.

Perhaps a change in system might help where that is concerned but the formation had nothing to do with the lax marking which led to Notts County taking the lead.

And, given the previously mentioned defensive concerns, it would seem unwise to leave it even more exposed.

Blues had few clear cut chances at the weekend but did waste a golden opportunity to get back into the game when Dalby saw his second-half spot-kick saved by County custodian Vitezslav Jaros.

Controversy - Connell Rawlinson encroaches into the box before Sam Dalby took his penalty Picture: RUBY SHIELDS

In fairness, Dalby had netted his last three penalties, the last of which – against Grimsby Town – saw him adopt a jumping technique made famous by Chelsea’s Jorginho.

However, that style did not work on Saturday and will always result in criticism when unsuccessful.

Pictures of the penalty later suggested the spot-kick should have been retaken following encroachment from Connell Rawlinson.

But making too much of that would be clutching at straws for the Shrimpers who in truth now have very little to play for this season.

The number one aim of survival – following such a shocking start – has now been achieved – and the size of that achievement should not be downplayed amid the recent poor run.

But Blues do need one last push to ensure the new found feel good factor can continue into the summer and then also the start of next season.

And that means rediscovering the tempo and intensity of the unbeaten run to make sure the Shrimpers bounce back from Saturday’s disappointing defeat and enjoy a competitive conclusion to the campaign.