STEPHEN Hendrie and Harry Lennon both returned from injury in the Southend United under-23 side’s 2-2 draw at Stevenage.

Hendrie, who had been out of action since January with a hernia problem, lined up at left-back while Lennon played for the first time since suffering a groin problem a fortnight ago.

And coach Dave Huzzey was pleased with how the defensive duo performed.

“I thought they were both excellent and really professional,” said Huzzey.

“They played the first 45 minutes which was always the plan and I thought the whole performance was really positive.

“We ended up with players out of position in the second half but we used the ball well.”

And Huzzey also felt hard done by after Charlie Kelman’s late effort was ruled out for a foul on the Stevenage goalkeeper Oliver Byrne.

“I didn’t think it was a foul at all and it definitely should have been a goal,” said Huzzey.

“I thought Charlie played really well but everyone did really.”

Stevenage took the lead early on before Blues equalised with Norman Wabo heading home Harry Phillips’ cross.

The Shrimpers took the lead in the 46th minute with Wabo claiming the final touch after Kelman’s right wing cross had been directed towards his own goal by Luis Fernandez but Liam Smyth’s strike ensured the game ended all squara.

Blues: Smith, Bwomono, Lennon (Ba 46), Mitchell-Nelson (Humphreys 46) Hendrie (Howard 46), Klass, Batlokwa, Hutchinson, Phillips, Kelman, Wabo (Marah 86)