SOUTHEND United manager Kevin Maher opted to start with Jack Bridge against Boreham Wood after being impressed by the winger’s pre-season form.
Bridge was selected ahead of Callum Powell for the National League opener at Roots Hall before being taken off at half-time.
And Maher explained his plan had been to bring on Powell once the game had started to open up.
“I thought Bridgey had done ever so well in pre-season with Moons (Dan Mooney) on the other side,” explained Maher.
“We had played well in that shape too.
“I thought the game would open up later on and Powelly coming on would do that.
“The plan was for Jake (Hyde) to play for 60 minutes or so but we decided to bring on Powelly earlier and I thought he did ever so well."
Powell had impressed during pre-season, scoring five times for the Shrimpers.
And Maher knows Blues must improve going forward.
“We need to score goals and when we get in those areas we need to hit the target more often," he added.
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