SOUTHEND United’s under-23 team continued their pre-season schedule with a 2-1 defeat at Stevenage.

The Shrimpers included Sam Barratt, Stephen Hendrie and Elvis Bwomono in their starting line-up.

And coach Kevin Maher still felt there were positives for his side to take from the game.

“It was a good, competitive match,” said Maher.

“It’s always a good test when you play Stevenage because it’s more of a reserve side they name but that always makes it a good challenge.

“We gave away a penalty in the first half and we were a little bit naive at times against a more senior side.

“We made a couple of mistakes too, but we can certainly take plenty from this game moving forward.”

The Shrimpers got back into the game with a well-taken effort from substitute striker Emile Acquah.

And Maher was pleased to see the promising youngster get on the scoresheet.

“It was good for Emile to get the goal and that was another positive to come out of the game,” said the former Shrimpers midfielder.

“He wasn’t on too long but he took the opportunity and we had a couple of chances after that to get an equaliser as well, but it wasn’t to be.”

Blues are next in action against Leyton Orient in two weeks’ time.

Southend United: Bishop, Bwomono, Curran, Pianim, Hendrie, Barratt, Klass, Gard, Batlokwa, Ba, Wabo