Steve Tilson is looking for some consistency when it comes to picking his side each week, after a 2-0 defeat at Tranmere Rovers.

With Southend United having to make further changes to the line-up, which saw Scott Malone make his debut in defence, Tilson felt they had enough of the ball to have avoided defeat.

"We had enough of the game and the ball to not lose," Steve told Blues Player.

"Things just didn't go our way in front of goal and we just needed that little bit of luck.

"It didn't drop our way even though we got some decent balls into the box, but things are hard for us right now because we're having to keep on changing things all the time.

"Scott's an 18-year-old lad who met the team for the first time at the pre-match meal.

"It's not ideal, but I thought he did well and the effort and commitment was there from the team.

"We played some decent stuff and I wasn't actually disappointed with the performance.

"We just need to try and get some consistency in our team selection like we had a few years ago but right now it's all very bitty and, especially in defence, we're changing things every week.

"Francis Laurent is another one we've got out injured now.

"He's hurt his hamstring, but we won't know how bad it is until another two or three days."