SOUTHEND United’s under 23 side continued their pre-season preparations with a 4-0 defeat at Maidstone United.

The Shrimpers youngsters found it tough going against the National League South side.

But Blues coach Dave Huzzey felt the team would have learnt lessons from the setback.

“I think the score-line reflects it was a tough afternoon but we still took a lot from it,” said Huzzey.

“In terms of the club’s philosophy of play it was OK but against first teams and men’s team you get punished more than you do in the under 23s and that was evident here.

“If you were to look at the stats and the possession I’m sure that would show we had plenty of the ball.

“But we weren’t effective enough in the final third and we didn’t cause them enough problems with the ball, despite having a lot of it.

“And we were also punished defensively so we have to look at the set up.”

Blues’ under 23 side continue their pre-season preparations with a clash against Colchester United on Tuesday before also facing Brentwood this weekend.

Southend United; Seaden, Osimeh, Mitchell-Nelson, Taylor, Clifford, Mukena, Kinali, Klass, Phillips, Egbri, Rush