JASON Demetriou feels a lack of concentration could be to blame for the glut of late goals being conceded by Southend United.

Armand Gnanduillet’s 83rd minute header saw Blackpool condemn the Shrimpers to a 2-1 defeat at Roots Hall.

And Demetriou is keen to get to the bottom of Blues’ recurring weakness.

“It keeps happening in the last 10 minutes,” said the right-back.

“It must be about concentration but we have to work on it and maybe speak a bit more to get this out of our game.

“We’ve lost a few points now and it’s costing us so we need to put our finger on it because it’s something we have to improve on.

“We’re not far off and I think we’re a good group of boys and a decent team when we get going.

“It’s just a few little things going against us and we have to put our finger on it.”

The Shrimpers also conceded late on against Charlton Athletic, Peterborough United, Wycombe Wanderers, Coventry City and Crawley Town.

But Demetriou remains convinced Blues will soon be back on track.

“The ability is there and we have a lot of good players so I still have real belief in the group,” said Demetriou, who turned 31 on Sunday.

“Confidence is still high but we’ve had a bad run of injuries and suspensions and we’ve not been able to field the same team for a while.

“I think it’s just down to little things at the moment.”

The defeat saw Blues slip down to 14th in the League One standings.

But Chris Powell’s side seemed to be heading for a share of the spoils when Demetriou headed home a second half equaliser.

And the defender was as surprised as anyone by the manner of the goal.

“I think it was the first header I’ve ever scored because I’m not very good at them,” said Demetriou, who was only playing due to his international suspension with Cyprus.

“I thought I was going to get my head kicked off but it was a great ball in from Tim (Dieng) and I went for it.

“I thought it was going to give us the momentum but unfortunately it didn’t count for anything in the end.”

But Demetriou is now determined to ensure the Shrimpers bounce back in Tuesday night's FA Cup first round replay at Crawley Town.

“We’ve got a lot of games but we’ll stick together and make Tuesday the night we turn things around,” he added.