SOUTHEND United’s interim head coach Jason Demetriou praised his makeshift defence following Saturday’s 4-1 win against Chertsey Town.

The Shrimpers won the fourth qualifying round clash despite not having a single centre-back fit to play.

And Demetriou was delighted with how Rob Howard, James Dunne and Nathan Ralph performed out of position in a back three.

“Rob was absolutely brilliant and showed his class and Dunny for someone who has never played there before was great too,” said Demetriou.

“I said to him on Wednesday we might need him to do a job for the team and he didn’t bat an eyelid.

“Nathan Ralph was outstanding as well and I think he’s one of our best players.

“Those three really stood out for me and I was really impressed with how they dealt with it.

“We left three on three a lot of the time but that was the plan and they were absolutely fantastic.”

The trio were all forced to play out of position due to injuries to both Charlie Sayers and Shaun Hobson.

Goalkeeper Steve Arnold also missed out with an injury but Demetriou is hoping none of the setbacks are too serious.

“The injuries aren’t anything major,” said Demetriou.

“They’re niggles which were too risky today.

“Hopefully three or four of them will be back in training next week and be available for Saturday.”

And Demetriou also missed today’s game due to injury.

“I’ve pulled my groin and it was killing me,” he added.