SOUTHEND United’s under 21 coach Kevin Maher was disappointed to see a strong Shrimpers side lose 2-0 at AFC Wimbledon this afternoon.

Seven of Blues’ starting line-up have figured in the first team this season.

And Maher was frustrated by Southend’s failure to pick up a good result.

“I felt as though whoever scored first would win the game and unfortunately it wasn’t us which was disappointing,” said the former Shrimpers midfielder.

“It was difficult on a bumpy pitch and I think it was always going to be a battle.

“It was good for our young players but it was a tough, competitive game which we’ve come out the wrong side of.”

David Mooney almost fired Blues into a first minute lead but Dons hit back to score twice in the space of three second half minutes.

Egli Carja put the hosts in front when he thundered a close range effort into the roof of the net before George Oakley fired home the rebound after having a penalty saved by Nathan Bishop, much to the frustration of the highly rated Shrimpers shot-stopper.

“It’s happened to me already this season and it’s frustrating because I knew where he was going to put it,” said Bishop, who has saved six of the nine penalties he has faced this season.

“It’s good to play but the pitch made it hard and the result was disappointing.”

Southend United: Bishop, White, Inniss, Matsuzaka (Salami 80), Coutts, Hines (Bedford 68), Amos, O’Neill, Bridge (Phillips 75), Mooney, Nouble