SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley felt Simeon Akinola and Sam Hart both did well to last as long as they did on their return to action against Scunthorpe United.

Akinola played 62 minutes on his first appearance for the Shrimpers while Hart did well down the left hand side before coming off 12 minutes from time.

And Molesley was keen to praise them both.

"You’ve got to give them a pat on the back," said Molesley.

"Sim has played 60 minutes and Harty 75 plus.

"It was a great effort because you can train until the cows come home but match fitness you can’t quite recreate.

"They dug in for the team, as did all the players."

Akinola had not played just 17 minutes of football since March while Hart had not played at all since February.