SOUTHEND United defenders Ollie Kensdale and Harry Taylor both returned from injuries in a behind closed doors friendly at Leyton Orient this afternoon.

Kensdale played the full 90 minutes after recovering from a fractured cheekbone while Taylor lasted 75 minutes on his return from a hamstring issue.

And Blues boss Kevin Maher was pleased to see the duo back in action.

“Harry’s coming back from a hamstring injury and Kens is getting used to wearing a mask so that was pleasing that they both got minutes,” said Maher.

“But it was a good work out for everyone.

"Lads who have been on the fringes got more minutes and we had Harry and Kens coming back from injury, so it was important for them too.

“There hasn’t been loads of training lately with so many matches that we’ve had I thought it was important we got them both in a match situation.”

Blues conceded twice late on to lose 3-2 against the O’s.

Oli Coker and Danny Waldron were both on target for the Shrimpers.