SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Steve Arnold is back in isolation due to coronavirus.

The summer signing had been due to make his first Shrimpers appearance at Dartford this afternoon.

But Blues boss Phil Brown was unable to call upon the shot-stopper.

“We got a covid curve ball thrown at us again where Steve Arnold is concerned,” said Brown.

“He’s been put back in isolation for another few days and it’s becoming a bit of a problem.

“But I’ve got to emphasise to my changing room that it’s happening to everyone and we’ve got to get on with it.”

With Arnold missing out, Harry Seaden played the full 90 minutes between the sticks.

And Brown felt the youngster produced a fine performance.

“Harry Seaden had another opportunity to impress and I thought he did,” said Brown.

“I didn’t think it was a penalty they got for the first goal and I thought he made a good decision but I’ll have a look at it again.”

However, Brown is unsure what will happen next.

“Where Steve is concerned he trained with us for the last four or five days but bits of the jigsaw still need to be put together,” said Brown.

“But Harry is in a battle with nobody at the moment so right now he’s the number one choice.

“If we get Steve Arnold back fit then I’ll have a difficult decision to make.

“But the next two or three friendlies will be geared towards getting Steve one game if not two.