SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher felt his side were ‘outstanding’ in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Wrexham at Roots Hall.

Blues produced a hard-working display against the high-flying Welshmen.

And Maher was pleased with how the Shrimpers responded to a disappointing midweek defeat at Chesterfield.

“It was outstanding to be fair,” said Maher.

“I know we’ve got a good group but we had some choice words after Tuesday night.

“I believe in them but I wasn’t going to let them drop the standards because I know what they’re capable of.

“It’s a new, young group and there are areas they will learn and improve.

“But this was very good performance against a top team.

“We were pushing for the win at the end and we have players out there still trying to get up full match fitness.”

Maher opted to recall the fit-again Nathan Ralph and Noor Husin while also selecting Jake Hyde in attack against his parent club.

And the Blues boss with happy with how they all performed.

“They all did really well,” said Maher.

“It’s been a loss not having Nathan there and he’s a great outlet for us.

“Noor’s a top footballer and you see that every time he plays but he’s still got to get up to speed.

“Hydey hasn’t had enough football but when the ball drops in the box you can see what he can bring.

“But it’s frustrating again for different reasons.”

Hyde controversially saw a second half strike ruled out for offside.

But Maher still things moving in the right direction.

“There will be bumps in the road but we’re changing an awful lot and when there are down times we’ve got to see who is sticking with us,” said Maher.

“We have to shut out the noise and the negativity around the place sometimes.

“Criticism is justified when you lose games but we know what we’ve got in the changing room and we believe in the players and how we work.

“Sometimes the last thing that comes is the results.

“But with the amount of injuries we’ve had we’re trying to get them up to speed and get them on the pitch because they can make an impact.”

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>Maher fumes after Hyde's goal is disallowed