SOUTHEND United’s under-23 team completed a successful spell in the Netherlands with a 4-0 win against Avanti Wilskaracht.

Isaac Hutchinson, Lewis Gard, Norman Wabo and 16-year-old Charlie Kelman were all on target for Blues.

And Shrimpers coach Kevin Maher was happy to finish his team’s time abroad with a fine victory.

“It was a good performance and a great way to finish our time in the Netherlands,” said the former Southend midfielder.

“We came out here Saturday morning and went home yesterday, so we had five nights there and got a lot of good work done.

“The training has been quite intense, like you would expect, and there have been a lot of double sessions.

“The weather, just like back home at the moment, has been boiling hot, so the work was done in 30 degree heat at times, which made it even tougher.

“But it’s been a great few days and the facilities we used were brilliant too.”

Blues’ youngsters stayed in Boekelo while in the Netherlands and the trip abroad enabled the new look squad to gel.

“The under-23s is an ever changing group and it’s been good for everyone to get to know each other too,” said Maher.

“We had a few players from the under-18s come with us and I have to say every single player on the trip was a real credit to the club.

“In and around the hotel - and in training - they did everything that was expected of them.

“We’re certainly ahead of where we were at this stage last year now.”

And, having now returned home, the Shrimpers will be back in action at Bedford Town tomorrow.

“It will be another good test for us at the weekend,” said Maher.

“Bedford have signed some experienced players but it’s the kind of games we need at this stage.”