SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown labelled pre-season friendlies as a ‘necessary evil’ after seeing his Shrimpers side lose 2-1 at Braintree Town tonight.

Impressive Iron striker Simeon Akinola bagged a brace for the home-side before summer signing David Mooney netted a penalty for Blues.

But Brown was not too concerned by the defeat.

“It was a difficult night but I’m not worried about the result,” said the 56-year-old.

“I don’t take anything from the score-lines of these friendlies and they are a necessary evil as far as I’m concerned.

“It’s just about fitness and making sure the players will be ready for the Fleetwood game which they will be.”

Brown, as planned, made 11 substitutions just past the hour mark at Cressing Road.

And he was pleased to see how the second line-up got to grips with the game.

“In the first 60 minutes I didn’t think the mentality of the group was right and we got found out,” said Brown.

“We made 11 changes like we were always going to do and the tempo stepped up after that along with the quality and everything else about the performance.

“I’m not criticising the side that started though because we had two trialists playing who only met the lads at 1pm today.

“We also had a couple of young kids out there too with Adam Barrett trying to hold it together for us back there but credit to Braintree because they played well and I hope they have a great season.”

Braintree, who are now managed by former Concord Rangers boss Danny Cowley, went in front after 20 minutes when Akinola netted with a powerfully struck half volley from 14 yards.

Just before the break, his strike partner Michael Cheek headed over from close range before Akinola did double Braintree’s lead just past the hour mark, netting with another fine finish.

Immediately after the goal, Blues boss Brown changed his entire line-up as planned and the new look side looked far more of a threat.

As a result, Mooney was able to bag his first Shrimpers goal since signing when he fired home a penalty he also won 10 minutes from time.

But Blues were unable to conjure up a late equaliser.

Southend United (first 60 minutes): T Smith, Leonard, Matsuzaka, Barrett, Zubar, Worrall, Atkinson, Timlin, Galbraith, Bridge, Williams.

Southend United (final half an hour) Bentley, White, Bolger, Prosser, Coker, Weston, Wordsworth, Deegan, Cotton, Payne, Mooney