SOUTHEND United’s youth team coach Dave Huzzey has urged his side to learn lessons from their 4-3 defeat to MK Dons.

The setback was the Shrimpers’ second in succession at the start of the season.

And Huzzey is keen for the team to improve in certain areas.

“The game management needs to be better,” said Huzzey.

“We got back into it at 2-1 at the weekend and then conceded just before half-time, which killed us.

“We also gave away two penalties so individual errors are costing us at the moment as well.

“But the positive was we showed great spirit at the end and we very nearly got a point late on when their keeper made a great save.”

Emile Acquah bagged a brace for Blues, while Sewa Marah was also on target.

The Shrimpers - who take on Crystal Palace in a friendly today - will now be looking to bounce back at Stevenage on Saturday.

Southend United: Bishop, Hutchings, Farah (Osimeh 46), Cuthbert (Stewart 77), Curran, Pianim, Kinali, Benton, Acquah, Rush (Egbri 62), Marah.