SOUTHEND United’s under 21 manager Kevin Maher has labelled his side’s first season as a success despite it ending with a 1-0 defeat against AFC Wimbledon yesterday.

Tom Beere’s stunning long-range strike secured victory for the Dons at Roots Hall.

But Maher, who saw Jason Williams miss a second half spot-kick, remains delighted by the progress made by his players this term.

“It’s been a good first year for the club as an under 21 side,” said the former Blues midfielder.

“We won the cup last week and we’ve had a good season in the league as well which has been pleasing.

“I’ve been here since November and I’ve really enjoyed it.

“It’s been good working with the players and they’ve all worked tirelessly.

“Hopefully we can build on this for next year now, and more of the lads can push on.

“But they do still have a lot to learn.”

Blues have been beaten just four times in 12 league outings this season but will end the campaign in third place after Wimbledon’s win saw them move up into second.

And Maher was disappointed to have ended the campaign with a defeat.

“I think we probably deserved to take something from the game in the end and certainly created enough chances to get a goal,” said Maher.

“We missed a penalty and it was disappointing to lose because we were the better team in the second half.

The game took a little while to get going and although I thought there was a foul in the build up to their goal it was an unbelievable strike.

“There was nothing nobody could have done about it.”

Beere’s effort was ultimately the difference between the two teams at Roots Hall as he fired a thunderous 35-yard shot into the top left hand corner of the net.

The Dons then wasted two clear cut chances to score while Shrimpers goalkeeper Josh Bexon made a couple of fine saves.

However, the home-side improved after the break and wasted a golden opportunity late on when the impressive Jack Bridge was brought down in the box.

But Williams, who has now completed a loan spell at Chelmsford City, saw his spot-kick well saved by the goalkeeper low down to his right hand-side as the season ended in frustration for Blues.

Southend United: Bexon, Bwomono, Salami, Kyprianou, Clifford (Johnson), Cotton (Phillips), Norman (Batlokwa), Deegan, Bridge, Williams, Hunt (Walker).