SATURDAY’S 2-2 draw with Accrington Stanley continued Southend United's stuttering form at Roots Hall.

Blues have now triumphed in just two of their last 10 home games in all competitions and have taken just nine points from the last 24 on offer at their own ground.

As a result, Southend have triumphed just eight times at Roots Hall in the league all season and that tally is far lower than any of their promotion rivals.

Table-topping Swindon Town have won 15 times at home this term, while Shrewsbury have 13 victories and Crawley 11.

Blues are subsequently lagging behind, but it is a completely different story when it comes to playing on the road. Southend have 11 away victories already this season and that is more than any other side in League Two.

In fact, League One’s runaway leaders Charlton Athletic are the only team in the country to have better away record than Blues.

And the complete contrast between Southend’s home and away form must remain a confusing conundrum for boss Paul Sturrock.

His side have just five matches remaining at Roots Hall this season and the outcome of those will have a huge say on whether or not Blues win automatic promotion.

To secure a top-three finish, Southend simply have to find a way of grinding out more positive home results when the onus is more on them to attack.

They must also maintain concentration too as conceding late goals is becoming something of a habit for Blues.

Bradford City, Dagenham & Red-bridge, Plymouth Argyle, Gillingham and now Accrington have all bagged last-gasp efforts against Southend in recent weeks. That cannot be let to continue if there is to be a successful end to the season for Blues.

And, for that to happen, Sturrock may also need to make more loan signings as his squad has now been severely weakened by both injuries and suspension for the most critical and crucial stage of the campaign.