SOUTHEND United have long been difficult to predict.

But, even by the Shrimpers’ own unique standards, the past few weeks have been somewhat unusual.

A pulsating seven goal FA Cup thriller against Charlton Athletic was followed by an emotionless 1-0 defeat to Yeovil Town in a mundane encounter ruined by over-zealous officiating.

And, after that, a below par Blues suffered a 2-0 defeat at Altrincham in what was arguably the worst performance of the season so far.

But, seven days on from that demoralising setback, the Shrimpers twice fought back from going behind to secure a deserved share of the spoils against a Forest Green Rovers side who started the afternoon top of the table.

The wide range of results and performance levels encapsulate the inconsistent nature of Blues’ season so far.

And every time the Shrimpers have seemed set to kick-start their campaign it hasn’t quite happened.

Wins against Boston, Eastleigh and Solihull all looked as though Kevin Maher’s side were clicking into top gear as did a run of more promising results throughout October.

But Blues have been unable to be at their best for a sustained period, hence why they are currently sitting 16th in the National League standings.

However, Saturday’s entertaining encounter showed Southend do have what it takes, on their day, to be more than a match for the division’s top teams.

And it also showed the spirit which still exists in the squad.

After the nature of last weekend’s setback up north, it would have been easy for heads to drop when going twice going behind against strong opposition.

But, roared on by another excellent crowd, Blues rolled up their sleeves and fought back to secure a well deserved share of the spoils.

The Shrimpers did have chances in the first half with both Gus Scott-Morriss and Jack Bridge going close to scoring.

But it was a very much a switch of system which saw Southend get on the front foot.

The introduction of Macauley Bonne in place of Bridge saw Blues go from 5-3-2 to 4-3-3 and there was a noticeable different in the speed and intensity of the home-side’s play.

Suddenly, the Shrimpers were getting in down the sides with both Bonne on the right and Josh Walker down the left posing problems.

Walker was particularly instrumental in the second of Southend’s equalisers, scored by Oli Coker.

The midfielder again perfectly timed his run into the box to fire home his fourth goal in 12 games this season after Forest Green goalkeeper Jed Ward had spilled a left wing cross from Walker.

The sharply taken effort saw Blues pick up a point against their expensively assembled opposition.

But the biggest challenge now facing the Shrimpers is how to hit these high levels on a more consistent basis.

Deciding on the formation is an important step now and it will be interesting to see which way Kevin Maher decides to turn.

Each system has it pros and cons and, judging by Saturday, it does seem opting for a front three will bring more out of Blues as an attacking force.

However, there has to be doubts as to whether the Shrimpers have the personnel to be able to play with a back four right now.

Harry Taylor on the right hand side of a back three is one of the best players in the Blues’ team.

But whether or not he possesses the physical prowess to consistently line up at the heart of a back four is open to debate, especially as it is not a role he has ever played regularly before.

Pushing top scorer Scott-Morriss to right-back may also curb his attacking intent and prowess meaning there is plenty for Maher to mull over again.

The fact the Shrimpers boss now has the options to alter things mid-match should be seen as a huge positive because that was most definitely not the case at the start of the season.

However, the importance of a formation can often be over-stated and it is far more crucial for the Shrimpers to find a settled and well-balanced line-up.

Midfield is certainly key where that is concerned and James Morton and Oli Coker are both a must for me in that area of the pitch right now.

Both impressed again on their return to starting line-up on Saturday but there are still big areas to work on.

The number of goals being conceded remains a concern and who should start between the sticks remains open for debate.

An illness to Zach Jeacock handed Collin Andeng Ndi another start at the weekend but he should have done better for Forest Green’s second goal and maybe even the first.

That leaves Maher with another selection headache as he strives to ensure Saturday’s point is not another false-dawn for Blues’ season.

But just do not expect to be able to predict what happens next!