SOUTHEND United’s under 21 coach Kevin Maher was pleased by his side’s performance in a 1-1 draw at Stevenage this afternoon.

A first half penalty from trialist winger Zavon Hines put the Shrimpers in front before former Billericay Town forward Rowan Liburd equalised for Stevenage just before the break.

But Maher was full of praise for the display.

“I was really happy with the way we performed against an experienced side who I think must have had six or seven players with first team experience,” said the ex Shrimpers skipper.

“We had to change things around a little bit with some different players coming in who weren’t involved last week.

“But they did well and we definitely took a lot from the game.”

The draw in yesterday’s friendly followed Blues’ 5-3 win against AFC Wimbledon last week.

And Maher was happy to see his side produce an improved defensive display.

“I was pleased with the Wimbledon game but defensively we weren’t at our best so it was good to see us improving in that area,” said Maher.

“We know we needed to be doing better and we’ve done that.

“Nico Cotton had to do a job for the team at left-back which he did well and we only had Sonny Coutts back in the starting line-up.

“He played the full 90 minutes which is something he hasn’t been able to do in quite some time after a knee injury so that was also really pleasing to see.

“He did well too but everyone dug in to help us survive a spell of pressure.

“But we also had other opportunities ourselves and could probably have won it in the end.”

The encounter also handed former West Ham and Bradford City winger Hines another opportunity to impress.

Hines - who impressed against AFC Wimbledon last week - confidently struck home a first half spot-kick.

And he remains in talks with Shrimpers boss Phil Brown about his future.

The Shrimpers chief is still keen on bringing the 27-year-old winger - who is working his back to full fitness after a knee injury - to the club on a permanent basis.

Southend United: Bexon, Bwomono, Salami, Coutts, Cotton, Bridge, Bedford, Phillips, Hines, Wabo, Walker