Southend United goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan insists the Shrimpers must sort out of their defending from set pieces if they are to finish in the play-offs this season.

Steve Tilson's side have let in three goals in their last two games from dead ball set pieces and have conceded 16 times from corners or free-kicks during the current campaign.

Flahavan knows that cannot continue if Blues are to continue their improved recent run of form.

"Defending set pieces certainly seems to be our Achilles heel right now," said the 30-year-old.

"I'm not sure if it's down to concentration or what but Millwall and Bournemouth have both scored with free headers against us and we can't afford to keep doing that if we are serious about finishing in the top six.

"A lot of goals are scored from set pieces and the teams who can defend them well will obviously be getting better results, so it's something we have to work on and improve."

The Shrimpers' first chance to sort out their defensive problems come at Yeovil Town this weekend. And Flahavan is keen to get one over the Glovers.

"We've had some good battles with them over the years and had one only a few weeks ago as well," he said.

"It's a hard place to go so we know we're in for a real test but hopefully we can grind out another good result.

"I don't think we've been playing too well lately but we've still been getting wins which has to be a good sign.

"It means that when we're back on form, which I'm sure will be soon, we can really start challenging for the play-offs."