SOUTHEND United’s under-23 team coach Kevin Maher was left ruing his side’s wasted early opportunities in this afternoon's 0-0 draw with Luton Town.

Norman Wabo, Charlie Kelman and Harry Bunn all failed to make the most of opportunities in the opening exchanges.

And the Shrimpers were eventually forced to settle for a share of the spoils, leaving Maher to reflect on what might have been.

“I was actually quite pleased with the way we played but we just lacked that little bit of quality in the final third to get that goal we needed,” said Maher.

“Our best chances actually came early on in the game and if one of those goes in then it’s a completely different game because it would’ve opened up a little bit more.

“But, unfortunately, we couldn’t take the chances and to be fair to Luton they made it difficult for us after that as well.

“They had a young side out but did well and I actually think it’s a game both teams will be pleased with the way they performed.

“It’s rare for us to have a 0-0 but a clean sheet is always good so we have to be happy with that.”

The Shrimpers included the fit-again Luke Hyam and Bunn in the centre of the park while centre-back Rob Kiernan continued his own comeback from injury by lining up at the heart of the back four.

Blues began the clash at Boots & Laces brightly with Wabo battling his way through before seeing his shot blocked by Luton goalkeeper Marek Stech.

The returning Bunn then fired inches wide of the left post.

Moments later, Bunn failed to lift the ball over a stranded Stech with the keeper easily gathering his attempted chip before the former West Ham United goalkeeper got down well to his left hand side to deny Kelman.

However, after surviving the scares, Luton began to look far stronger at the back and Southend struggled to create so many chances.

Kelman went for power rather than precision with the Shrimpers’ best opportunity of the second half but his well-struck shot was blocked by Stech, who stood up well to block the effort.

Stech then also did well to push away Bunn’s low effort from the edge of the penalty area before Wabo fired Eren Kinali’s dangerous right wing cross wide of the left post.

Sam Knock and Miles Mitchell Nelson both headed over dead ball deliveries from Harry Phillips in the closing stages to ensure the game ended without a goal.

Southend United: Smith, Howard, Kiernan (Knock 60), Nelson, Clifford, Batlokwa, Hyam (Pianim 60), Bunn (Kinali 60), Phillips, Wabo, Kelman (Ba 70)

Sub not used: Bexon