DEFENSIVE frailties have hit Southend United hard so far this season, conceding more goals than any other team in the top four divisions.

The Shrimpers have let in 24 goals in their eight League games so far and have not kept a clean sheet since January.

Here Echosport takes a closer look at the goals Blues have let in and those lining up in the team.

MANNER OF THE GOALS CONCEDED

Looking at the goals conceded by the Shrimpers this season it suggests a weakness down the left hand side.

For 46 per cent of the goals Blues have given away have come from crosses or moves from that side of the pitch.

Fifteen goals out of 32 have come from the left hand side while five of the goals conceded (15.2 per cent) have come from set pieces.

PLAYERS

All of the following statistics are for games in 2019.

GOALKEEPERS

Nathan Bishop/20 starts/45 goals/2.25 per game.

Mark Oxley/12 starts/25 goals/2.08 per game

RIGHT-BACKS

Elvis Bwomono 26 starts/57 goals/2.19 per game

per game Jason Demetriou 7 starts/18 goals/2.57 per game

CENTRE-BACKS

Liam Ridgewell 1 start/3 goals/3.00 per game

Rob Kiernan (in defence) 8 starts/19 goals/2.00 per game

Joe Shaughnessy 8 starts/21 goals/2.62 per game

Harry Lennon 15 starts/38 goals/2.53 per game

John White 18 starts/37 goals/2.05 per game

LEFT-BACKS

Nathan Ralph 7 starts/22 goals/3.14 per game

Andre Blackman 3 starts/9 goals/3.00 per game

The midfield have often left the Shrimpers’ rearguard exposed.

The following stats are for goals conceded.

MIDFIELDERS

Luke Hyam 9 starts/16 goals/1.77 per game

Mark Milligan 8 starts/22 goals/2.75 per game

Timothee Dieng 16 starts/30 goals/1.86 per game

Rob Kiernan (in midfield) 6 starts/9 goals/1.50 per game E

Ethan Hamilton 7 starts/22 goals/3.14 per game

Sam Mantom 29 starts/62 goals/2.14 per game.

TIMING OF GOALS CONCEDED

0-22 minutes - five goals

23 - 46 minutes - 11 goals

47 - 65 minutes - seven goals

66-90 minutes - 13 goals