SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown felt his side matched Brighton & Hove Albion for the majority of this evening's pre-season friendly - despite the 3-0 defeat.

Blues were beaten by the Premier League newcomers at Roots Hall.

But Brown was keen to stay positive.

"Apart from a 10 minute spell just before half-time we were matching a Brighton side who are a fantastic success story," said Brown.

"For about 80 minutes we were more than a match for them.

"In the second half we did enough to restore a little bit of pride because at 3-0 at half-time it looked like a dead duck.

"It’s never enjoyable to lose games but pre-season isn't about results.

"It’s about piecing the jigsaw together and getting the starting line-up ready for action."