A PIVOTAL week for Southend United started with a painful and problematic 1-0 defeat against Mansfield Town on Saturday.

The setback kept the Shrimpers bottom of the League Two table.

And, after having previously put together a run of improved results to suggest a slight rejuvenation, Blues have now started to fall away again.

The reverse against the Stags was the second Mark Molesley’s side have suffered at Roots Hall in the space of just five days and Blues have now also triumphed just once in their last five outings.

But the actual result was not the only setback the Shrimpers suffered on Saturday as the influential Alan McCormack suffered another calf injury while the dependable Elvis Bwomono had to be taken off with a back problem.

Adding to that, the important Timothee Dieng will now have to serve a one match suspension after being sent off late on against the Stags and, with Greg Halford also suffering a shoulder injury, Southend are suddenly short of options once again.

James Olayinka, who had done well on loan from Arsenal, could well have played his last game for the club and, put simply, the Shrimpers are now crying out for new signings.

Blues have until 11pm on Monday February 1 to bolster their squad and it is definitely attacking additions which are needed.

Of course, attracting players when sat rock bottom of the table could prove problematic but it is something which must be done and a quick look at the statistics shows just why.

The Shrimpers have now netted just 15 goals in 24 games and, along with Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday, have the joint worst goalscoring record in the whole of the Football League.

Blues had been due to bring in an attacking midfielder in the build up to Saturday’s game, only for him to test positive for coronavirus.

That deal could still be completed but more new signings are still needed, including a striker.

The Shrimpers started with the versatile 36-year-old Halford in attack against Mansfield but he is far from a natural striker and Blues are crying out for more creative qualities and attacking reinforcements.

But, at the same time, a new signing could be just half the battle as a balance needs to be struck between being hard to break down and posing problems further forward.

The Shrimpers have stuck more men behind the ball in recent weeks and, in doing so, have become far more difficult to beat.

However, the attacking intent has diminished even further during that time and those selected in the strike-force do need to be given more support and service if Southend are to start hitting the back of the net on a more regular basis.

Right now, Olayinka tops Blues’ scoring charts with just three goals and that certainly speaks volumes at this stage.

But the Shrimpers must decide whether or not taking more risks going forward could ultimately bring more reward.

The defensive style, which also included a high percentage of more direct passes, did inspire a successful December and brought Blues back within touching distance to the teams around them at the foot of the table.

However, delve a little deeper and it soon becomes apparent that the points picked up by the Shrimpers also came against struggling sides.

Colchester, who are 23rd in the current form guide, were the only side not in the bottom six to be seen off by Blues and it seems Molesley’s side must have more about them to trouble the stronger teams in League Two.

Bradford, who are 20th in the table, are up next but the Bantams have enjoyed their own improvements in the past few weeks and will provide another stern test for the Shrimpers at Roots Hall tomorrow.

Blues remain just a point from safety but must improve if that gap is eventually going to be overhauled.

That makes this week hugely important, both on and off the pitch as more performances like Saturday will see the Shrimpers in deep trouble.

Mansfield have transformed their own season after a stuttering start and their win against Blues was their fifth League win in succession.

The Stags looked the stronger of the sides and shaded a largely uneventful encounter which saw visiting goalkeeper Aidan Stone rarely called upon.

But lessons have to be learnt, especially with so much at stake.

And Blues must now really show an attacking intent both in games and in the transfer market if a second successive relegation is going to be avoided.