Mildenhall joined the Blues from Yeovil for this season

Southend manager Steve Tilson has described the criticism of goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall as 'ridiculous'.

The Blues have conceded nine goals in their last two matches and Mildenhall has come in for some flack from some sections of the fans.

But Tilson told BBC Essex: "It's ridiculous, he's had no chance with those nine goals.

"They're probably the same people who criticised Darryl Flahavan when he was having a bad time, so I'm not worried."

Tilson continued: "They can criticise all they want and if they think that's going to help the team to get a result, then let them keep doing it.

"But at the end of the day, we've just got to stay strong and go to Carlisle, stand up and be counted."