SOUTHEND United started their pre-season schedule with a 4-0 defeat against a strong Tottenham Hotspur side this morning.

Fresh from a five day spell training in Spain, the Shrimpers lined up with a different 11 in each half.

And, despite the result, Blues boss Phil Brown felt it had been a worthwhile exercise.

“We were up against a very strong Tottenham team but we took a lot from it,” said Brown.

“Spurs had the likes of Erik Lamela, Roberto Soldado, Kyle Walker and Andros Townsend among others in their side and it was a really tough way for us to start.

“But results don’t matter at all at this stage and every player got a good 45 minutes under their belts as we prepare for the new season.”

Tottenham opened the scoring after just 19 minutes when Nathan Oduwa teed up Josh Onomah to fire home.

In reply, Spurs’ shot-stopper Michel Vorm soon denied both David Worrall and Anthony Wordsworth in quick succession before the home-side doubled their lead on the half hour mark when Danny Rose netted after more good approach play from Oduwa.

Sixty seconds later, the Londoners increased their lead even further when Nabil Bentaleb lashed home a fine effort from 30 yards.

Southend hit back with Worrall hitting the crossbar before Blues opted to make 11 changes at the break.

However, Tottenham remained in charge and made it 4-0 in the 50th minute when Townsend crossed for Oduwa to score.

Former Shrimpers loanee Shaq Coulthirst then almost netted for Spurs along with Townsend who sent a curling effort off the far post in the closing action of the game.

Ex Manchester United trainee Richard Eckersley was the only trialist to figure for Blues.

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