SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher said a point was the least his side deserved at Aldershot Town tonight.

A second half equaliser from Harry Cardwell secured the Shrimpers a 1-1 draw at the EBB Stadium.

But Maher was delighted with the display.

“A point is the least we deserved and we could’ve had more,” said Maher.

“In the second half we kept going, kept persevering and kept playing our football.

“It was one way traffic.

“We got the goal we deserved and there were another couple we could have had easily in there.

“All credit for the players for how they played second half considering we conceded like we did just before half-time.”

Lorent Tolaj netted for Shots just before the break.

But Maher still feels Blues were the better team in the first half.

“I thought we dominated the first half and had more of the ball in good areas,” said Maher.

“We had the best chance from a throw in too but I think Powelly has just nipped it off Bridgey’s foot.

“They scored from one chance where they’ve played through us and we should keep the ball on the outside.

“It was a shot from 25 yards which the lad has got in his locker to be fair to him but I thought we were good in the first half.”

However, the Shrimpers were able to get back into the game in the second half with Cardwell on target from close range after a shot from Noor Husin had been parried out by Jordi Van Stappershoef.

“We said at half-time, anything around the box pull the trigger and don’t be afraid to shoot,” said Maher.

“We got a bit of luck but Cards showed that poacher’s instinct to get the goal which was the least we deserved.

“Aldershot are a good side but we’re papering over cracks with 13 or 14 players.”