SOUTHEND United continued their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 win against Harlow Town at Boots & Laces.

A penalty from trialist Matt Dennis and an impressive second half strike from Rhys Murphy secured victory for the Shrimpers.

And Blues boss Phil Brown was pleased with the work-out.

"I was happy with Harlow coming down and it was a good to get another game in," said Brown.

"They raised a gallop and their game like Wakering and like we did for 35 minutes or so against West Ham last night.

"But we’ve come through it unscathed and touch wood with no injuries."

The Shrimpers used 19 different players in the friendly and Brown was particularly pleased to see summer signing Jack Bridge back in action.

"We got minutes for Jack which was key," said Brown.

"He couldn’t play last night and he couldn’t have played if the Maidstone game had gone ahead because of the astroturf pitch.

"But we got minutes into a few of them and there is a big bunch of players up to 65 minutes or so."

Striker Murphy is also working his way up to full fitness and Brown was happy to see him hit the back of the net with a well-taken effort 10 minutes from time.

"Rhys has got an invention about his game and everyone wants to play with him," said Brown.

"Rushy (Matt Rush) comes alive when Rhys is on the pitch and Deon Moore did too.

"He’s exciting to work with and we’re hoping for more.

"We want more intricate play in and around the final third but we’ll get there.

"I’m more concerned about fitness levels."

Southend United: Idem, Howard (Chandler 80), Davis, Mitchell-Nelson (Hobson 65), Clifford (Sayers 65), Egbri (Walsh 75), Stewart (Moore 68), Ferguson, Bridge (Brown 80), Dennis (El-Mhanni 70), Kargbo (Murphy 68).

 

 

Southend United: Idem,