SOUTHEND United coach Kevin Maher praised the efforts of his young players - despite them failing to hang on for victory against AFC Wimbledon.

Two goals from Isaac Hutchinson put the Shrimpers in control against the Dons in the Central League Cup.

But Wimbledon hit back to secure a 2-2 draw with Tommy Wood bagging an equaliser four minutes into stoppage time.

Yet Maher was still full of praise for his team.

“I really can’t fault the efforts of the players and although we’re all disappointed to have conceded right at the end like that I thought they gave it everything they had,” said Maher.

“Games with Wimbledon are always tough.

“They do things the right way but they’re also physical and you have to be ready to deal with that.

“I thought we did for most of the game but unfortunately we just couldn’t quite see it out.

“If we had then we would have been in a strong position to make it out the group stage of this cup.

“But now it will be winner takes all when we play against Bournemouth next week.”

Blues opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with Hutchinson firing home after great approach play from Norman Wabo.

Hutchinson then doubled the Shrimpers’ lead on the stroke of half-time when he fired home the rebound after Harry Phillips had seen his penalty saved.

However, Dons got back in the game in the 65th minute with Wood heading home.

And Wood was at it again late on to ensure the game ended all square.

Southend United: Bishop, Howard (Humphreys 46), Clifford, Pianim, Curran, Knock, Kinali, Hutchinson (Klass 46), Ba (Batlokwa 73), Wabo, Phillips