SOUTHEND United warmed up for this weekend’s trip to Tranmere Rovers by smashing Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in a behind closed doors friendly yesterday.

Jack Bridge, Ryan Leonard and David Worrall were all on target for the Shrimpers at Hotspur Way.

And Blues boss Phil Brown was delighted by the display ahead of his side’s clash at Prenton Park on Saturday.

“We took quite a strong team down to Tottenham and it was certainly an excellent way for us to prepare for the game against Tranmere,” said Brown.

“Tottenham had one or two well known players in their team and also had Bongani Khumalo who had on loan when I was at Preston so it was a good win.

“I think taking the squad for games like this at facilities at like Tottenham’s training ground is a good thing and beats training at times too.

“The pitches are the best at Boots & Laces so it gives them a break and there were some really good performances which has given me a few different ideas for Saturday’s game.”

The Shrimpers could have also won by more had Bridge not seen a penalty saved by Tottenham goalkeeper Harry Voss after Connor Ogilvie had been adjudged to have tripped Jerome Binnom-Williams inside the area.

Striker Jason Williams also hit the post late on while Blues were also able to keep a clean sheet at the other end of the field.

And Brown will now be facing a selection headache at the back for this weekend’s clash at Tranmere as both Jakub Sokolik and Binnom-Williams are available again after serving one-match suspensions.

“I definitely have a real selection dilemma in defence this weekend,” said Brown.

“Cian Bolger came in against Hartlepool and did well. I actually think Cian has been different class in about 80 per cent of the games he’s played but he’s had a couple of lapses.

“The one at Luton happened when he was concussed so I will certainly be thinking long and hard about who to pick at the back against Tranmere.

“And it’s good to have such strong competition for places.”