TRIALIST strikers Ibby Akanbi and Chris Wreh were both on target for Southend United in a 2-2 draw at Kettering Town this afternoon.
Blues are believed to have altered their starting line-up on arrival at Latimer Park due to concerns over the state of the pitch on arrival.
But the trialists forwards pushed their claims for a contract by both scoring in the pre-season clash against the National League North side.
Southend went behind in 15th minute when Kettering’s Sam Bennett sent a low, left footed shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net from 20 yards.
But, five minutes later, the Shrimpers drew back level when an inviting left wing cross from Jack Wood was tapped home from close range by trialist striker Ibby Akanbi.
Moments later, Callum Powell – who was returning to his former side – saw a low shot from another Wood cross smartly saved by Kettering goalkeeper Cameron Gregory at his near post.
Sim Akinola was then also denied by the legs of Gregory but, just before the break, the Shrimpers striker was forced off with what appeared to be quite a nasty looking injury.
Akinola was appearing for the first time since suffering a knee problem in October and looked in quite a lot of pain when being helped off the pitch.
Akinola was replaced by Wreh and, just moments into the second half, the trialist striker put the Shrimpers in front with a neatly taken effort into the bottom left hand corner of the net.
However, Kettering levelled things up on the hour mark when Reubus Richard-Noel sent an accurate 20 yard shot into the left hand side of the net.
Blues responded with another change which saw trialist Maxime Addo replace Powell out wide and the winger soon created an opportunity for Wood who saw his close range effort blocked as the game ended all square.
Southend United: Andeng Ndi, Crowhurst, Reeve, Davis, Arrowsmith, Wood, Coker, Benton, Akinola (Wreh 43), Akanbi, Powell (Addo 63).
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