SOUTHEND United's under 21 team suffered a 2-1 defeat at Swindon Town this afternoon - but coach Kevin Maher was still full of praise for the performance.

Defender Sonny Coutts fired Blues in front against Robins before the home-side hit back to triumph.

But Maher felt the Shrimpers deserved to take something from the game.

"I was actually really happy with the way we played and I don't think we really deserved to lose," said Maher.

"We were on top for long periods but we were just lacking a little bit of composure in front of goal and that's what cost us in the end."

Ellis Iandolo equalised for Swindon before Jermaine Hylton bagged the winning goal from the penalty spot.

But Maher was happy to see a quartet of players continue their return from injury.

"It was really good to see Jordan Williams, Harry Kyprianou, Renei Batlokwa and Jason Williams playing," said Maher.

"David Mooney also got 90 minutes and played well so there were plenty of positives for us,"

Southend United: Bexon, Jordan Williams (Bwomono), Matsuzaka, Coutts, Kyprianou, Phillips, Bedford, Bridge, Batlokwa (Yearwood), Jason Williams (Walker), Mooney

Subs not used: Cotton & Salami