SOUTHEND United’s under 23 side were beaten 2-1 by Oxford United in a friendly this afternoon.

The Shrimpers included fit-again winger Sam Barratt in their starting line-up while Nathan Bishop also lined up between the sticks.

And Blues coach Craig Fagan took several positives from the performance.

“They were quite strong so the result wasn’t that best really and it was a good run out too,” said Fagan.

“We could have been a little bit more ruthless in front of goal and we had a couple of chances where we broke on the counter-attack and we missed the final pass.

“That needs to be better because stepping up to first team level you might get one or two chances a game and they need to be finished.

“But it was a pleasing performance and one to build on.”

The Shrimpers went in front when Emile Acquah headed home a fine cross from Ide Osimeh.

And Fagan was happy with Acquah’s display.

“Emile was a handful all game,” said Fagan.

“He bullied the two experienced centre backs and I thought he was excellent.

“Harry Phillips was good too and Sam Barratt as well.

“It was important for him to get some minutes and he got an hour under his belt which is another step in the right direction for him.”

However, Fagan now wants his youngsters to keep on improving.

“Our next league game is in the next couple of weeks and we haven’t lost in that so far,” said Fagan.

“It’s about improving each game and putting things we do on the training ground into match situations which is what we’ll look to do.”

Southend United: Bishop, Howard, Mitchell-Nelson, Taylor, Osimeh, Phillips, Hutchinson, Rush, Kinali, Acquah, Barratt.