SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher has explained why the Shrimpers were forced to pull out of the Essex Senior Cup.

Blues had been due to host Braintree Town in a fourth round clash before opting to withdraw from the competition.

And, despite being frustrated, Maher felt it was the correct decision to make.

“We’re disappointed,” said Maher.

“But if we had played that then it would’ve meant the youth team cancelling their game or maybe fielding under 15 players against men.

“That wouldn’t have been fair.

“We wanted to play it and we were looking for different venues but with one or two injuries and with asking the youth team to cancel their game wouldn’t have been right for me.

“They’ve got their league they’re doing well in and I want them to do as well as they can.

“They’ve got a fixture pile up, going Saturday Tuesday and even a Thursday as well so to then call their game off, that wouldn’t have been right.”