The Shrimpers are top of the division and are on a five-match winning run.
Sturrock told BBC Essex: "I fear ourselves. The problem with Southend is we get over-confident and a bit complacent. Then it costs us dear. At the end of last season, when we were going very well, we lost games and it shows if you're not totally committed you can come unstuck."
Southend's impressive start to the campaign has been emphasised by their recent goal-scoring form, having found the net 10 times in their last three outings.
Sturrock, who has won League Two's manager of the month for September, is aware his side will now be a target for the rest of the division."Everybody gives another 30 or 40% when they're playing the top teams. We've got to be as hard working as we have in the last two games. We had no problems with the teams in the top part of the league last year, our problem was against the teams in the lower part of the league. Hopefully we can change that this year."
Source: FOOTYMAD
