SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown was happy with the application of his senior players in Blues' under 21s 3-3 draw at Bournemouth this afternoon.

David Mooney and Frank Nouble were both on target for the Shrimpers who also benefited from a Bournemouth own goal.

And Brown admitted the performance had given him plenty to think about ahead of Saturday's League One game with Port Vale.

"It was a really good game and there were a lot of positives for us," said Brown.

"David Mooney got another goal, Frank Nouble scored and worked very, very hard and Zavon Hines also showed a great attitude.

"Jack Bridge had some very nice touches and he's definitely in my thoughts for the weekend now.

Mooney headed Blues in front in the 14th minute before he was forced to go off after suffering a clash of heads.

"The only disappointing thing was that David wasn't able to get a full game but we had to be sensible about it," said Brown.

"He felt like he could have played on but there was quite a lot of swelling and you can't take any risks where head injuries are concerned."

The Shrimpers almost won the game late on but Harry Phillips saw his effort bounce back off the crossbar.

Southend United: Bexon, Bwomono, Salami, Matsuzaka, Coutts, Bedford, Bridge, Hines, Phillips, Nouble, Mooney.