SOUTHEND United’s under 23 team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at Colchester United this afternoon.

The U’s bagged the only goal of the pre-season friendly in the second half.

But Shrimpers coach Kevin Maher was still pleased with the performance.

“I thought we played well and I was actually pleased with a lot of the stuff we did,” said Maher.

“I felt we dominated a lot of the game aside from the five minutes before half-time.

“But unfortunately when the chances came along we didn’t keep our composure.”

Blues’ under 23 team continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to Lowestoft Town on Saturday.

Southend United: Bexon, Howard, Curran, Pianim, Humphreys, Hutchinson, Bedford, Phillips, Kinali, Acquah, Wabo