SOUTHEND United legend Ian Benjamin insists he was encouraged by the Shrimpers’ display at Cambridge United.

Blues secured a 0-0 draw against the League Two leaders at the Abbey Stadium on Saturday.

But Benjamin feels Mark Molesley’s side ‘gave as good as they got.’

“I watched the match on iFollow and to be honest you could not tell who was at the top or who was at the bottom,” said Benjamin who scored 38 goals in 139 games while with Blues.

 “Southend gave as good as they got.

“They were solid at the back and in midfield and they played some good football at times.”

However Benjamin, himself a former striker, can see where the Shrimpers are still struggling.

“You can see the main problem is in the attacking third,” said Benjamin.

“(Ashley) Nathaniel-George looked confident on the ball, and so did (Reeco) Hackett- Fairchild when he came on .”

Blues have scored just 18 goals in 28 League Two outings so far this season.

And Benjamin, who is best remembered for his promotion clinching goal at Bury back in 1991, also had words of advice for striker Emile Acquah.

“(Emile) Acquah did a great job holding the ball up, he just needs to pick up better attacking positions in the box,” said Benjamin.

“Either spin out to the far post or make a run across the near post.

“He might find that he will get more opportunities by doing that.

The share of the spoils at Cambridge saw the Shrimpers work their way out of the relegation zone.

And Benjamin felt Blues were worthy of at least a point.

“The least they deserved was a point and it could have been three with a bit more know how around the box,” said Benjamin.

“I sincerely hope that they can work their way out of this tight spot that they are in.

“The players have to take responsibility when they step onto the pitch.

“It is as simple as that. If they do , they will survive and I wish them all the best of luck.”