SOUTHEND United’s under-23 side continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to Colchester United today.

The Shrimpers youngsters saw off Brentwood Town 4-2 at the weekend with Harry Phillips bagging a brace and Norman Wabo and Zak Pianim also netting.

And coach Kevin Maher has been pleased by his team’s showings in their warm-up matches.

“Our season starts a little bit later than the first team but pre-season has been going really well so far,” said Maher.

“Brentwood was a good game for us at the weekend and we started really well.

“We had players who needed minutes and we went into a 4-0 lead, which was good to see.

“Brentwood are a decent non-league team so they made it tricky for us after that but we still had chances to score more goals.

“Colchester will be another tough test but it will help us as we prepare for the new season.”

The Shrimpers conclude their pre-season friendlies against Lowestoft Town this weekend.

And Maher is looking forward to what lies ahead.

“It’s another talented group we have this season,” he added.