SOUTHEND United coach Dave Huzzey insisted he was proud of his players’ efforts in this evening’s 2-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic in the second round of the FA Youth Cup.

The young Shrimpers more than matched their hosts for long spells.

And Huzzey was pleased with the display despite the result.

“I thought we were in it for 84 minutes and just a little bit of ill discipline cost us when we were having a good spell,” said Huzzey.

“We created some good chances but didn’t take them.

“I’m proud of the boys though and they stuck to the game plan so well.

“Our shape off the ball was good and we looked really organised in the first half.

“It gave us something to build on in the second half and we did.

“We didn’t do a lot wrong but we were a little bit naïve in both boxes.

“We don’t see it as cat one, cat two, cat three clubs because we like to play them all.

“But If you were a neutral here I don’t think you would know who was cat three or cat two.”

Charlton – the category two club – were twice denied by Blues goalkeeper Harry Seaden early on before the Addicks broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with Euan Williams firing home a well-struck left footed shot.

In reply, Jon Benton saw a 20 yard shot smothered by Charlton goalkeeper Joseph Osaghae who then also pushed Charlie Kelman’s effort from a narrow angle wide of the right post.

After the break, Benton had another effort saved before Charlton had a goal ruled out for a foul on Seaden from a right wing corner in the 52nd minute.

However, the Shrimpers soon started to step things up and wasted a fine chance to equalise five minutes later when Sam Knock volleyed Benton’s free-kick wide of the target from close range.

Blues, who lost right-back Reiss Chandler to injury in the first half, then had to make a second change in the 72nd minute when Mitchell Miles-Nelson was stretchered off with a calf problem.

Shortly after the enforced alteration, Kelman headed Benton’s right wing free-kick over the crossbar from 10 yards.

But, after surviving the scares, Charlton made sure of their win in the 84th minute with Kareem Isiaka firing home after Benton had conceded possession in the penalty area.

Southend United: Seaden, Chandler (Dabbs 31), Knock, Mitchell-Nelson (Wallace 72), Osimeh, Egbri, Stewart, Benton, Eastwood (Brogan 68), Rush, Kelman

Subs not used: Taylor & Mpenga