SOUTHEND United's under 23 coach Kevin Maher was left feeling disappointed following his side's 3-0 defeat at Stevenage this afternoon.

The Shrimpers conceded a trio of goals in the first half of their latest pre-season friendly.

And Maher felt Blues' youngsters did not deserve to get anything from the game.

"Stevenage were better than us and deserved the win which is obviously disappointing to have to say," said the former Southend midfielder.

"The first half was very disappointing and we gave away some very bad goals.

"The third one just before half-time killed us really and the boys need to learn quickly from this if we're going to have a good season."

Blues - who included five players to have been named in Phil Brown's matchday squad already this season - did improve after the break.

But they were unable to convert any of the chances coming their way.

"It was frustrating we didn't get on the score-sheet because the opportunities were there for us to do so in the second half," said Maher.

"We have to make sure we bounce back from this and put things right."

Stevenage's starting line-up was made up of first team players in need of minutes, academy youngsters and a few trialists.

But they dominated a largely one-sided first half to make sure of a well-deserved victory.

Former Billericay Town striker Rowan Liburd in front before James Ferry doubled their lead with another well-taken effort.

Jamie Gray made it 3-0 just before the break to seal the match in Stevenage's favour.

The Shrimpers' under 23 side face their first competitive fixture of the season a week today when they travel to Portsmouth in the first round of the Premier League Cup.

Southend United: Smith, Bwomono, Matsuzaka, Kyprianou, Clifford, Bridge, Yearwood, Batlokwa, Cotton, Ba, Wabo