Blog: Shrewsbury Town missed the chance to go top of the league following a poor result at Southend, writes Shrewsbury Town blogger James Pugh.

A 3-0 scoreline was certainly flattering but Town were poor and just didn’t turn up on the day.

It brought an end to a good run in the league; let us put it down to an off-day rather than the start of a slide.

What was more frustrating about the game was that we shot ourselves in the foot by conceding two penalties, and not for the first time this season.

One of the culprits was Grandison, and again not for the first time this season. The defender has had his critics this season, but he is still young, has lots of talent and plenty to learn.

Another talking point amongst fans has been the size of our squad.

Because of the cup run Town have played a lot of games already this season and injuries, particularly in defence, may have accounted for our poor performances at Oxford and Southend.

Following the injury to Hazell, we look short in defence and think Turner will have to work his magic in the loan market.

Town were given a boost off the field last week with the news that talented striker Bradshaw has signed a new contract extension.

He has already shown a lot of promise in his Town career and I think he will eventually go on to play at a much higher level.

At the moment he faces a tough task to become a regularly in the Town team due to the strength of the competition he faces.

Town will be looking to get back to winning ways with victory at home to Barnet on Saturday.

On paper it should be an easy three points with Barnet languishing towards the bottom of the table and hopefully we will be boosted by the return of Sharps.