A YOUNG Southend United side were held to a 0-0 draw by Concord Rangers at the Aspect Arena tonight.

Shrimpers boss Phil Brown used the latest of his side’s pre-season friendlies to look at the less inexperienced members of his squad and a number of trialists.

But they were unable to find a way past a well drilled Concord side whose goalkeeper Jamie Butler was in fine form between the sticks.

Butler’s first save came when he impressively kept out a point blank header from Jason Williams with his legs.

After the break, he impressively tipped a powerful effort from Shrimpers trialist striker Rowan Liburd over the crossbar to keep the game goalless.

Liburd was one of eight trialists in action for Blues but it was those at the back who looked brightest.

Former Hereford United right-back Dan Leadbitter looked solid and so too did Danish centre-back Mads Ibenfeldt and ex Tamworth defender Ben-Richards-Everton.

That trio looked set to be handed a further opportunity to impress and, at the other end of the pitch, Jack Payne looked the most likely to score.

However he fired over from close range when he should have done better.

And he was almost made to pay for the miss four minutes from time when Concord wasted the game’s best chance as substitute Alex Teniola headed over from close range.

Southend United: T Smith (Bexton), Leadbitter (Farrell 70), Ibenfeldt, Richards-Everton, Pinnock (Balanta 46), Bridge, Banton, Payne, Fagan (Green 46), Williams (Liburd 46), Nanizayamo (Brown 46)