SOUTHEND United's head of youth Ricky Duncan felt the Shrimpers paid the price for trying to push for a late winner in their 2-1 defeat at Stevenage.

Blues had been hoping to collect all three points in their opening EFL Youth Alliance Merit League One fixture.

But their attacking intent backfired as Stevenage bagged an injury time winner.

"I wasn't actually too disappointed with the performance but I do think the game management could probably have been a bit better," said Duncan.

"We dominated the second half and got back level through Emile Acquah.

"After that we piled forward to try and win the game because the Merit League is only 11 games and we want to pick up as many points as possible in that short space of time.

"But we caught by a sucker punch right at the end trying to push for a winner back-fired in the end."

However, Duncan was lifted the performance of Acquah who came off the bench to bag a well-taken equaliser.

"I'm quite excited about how Emile is playing," said Duncan.

"He's not 17 until July but he's scoring goals and inter-linking in our play.

"He's definitely showing he's ready to push on and that is exactly what youth football is all about, not our results."

Southend United: Bishop, Bwomono, Clifford, Musselwhite, Mackenzie, Pianim, Gard, Yearwood, Marah (Acquah 46), Matthews, Kinali (Clark 54).