SOUTHEND United’s youth team coach Danny Heath has spoken of his pride after seeing two of his youngsters make their first team debuts.

Beau MacDonald and Ronnie Blake both came off the bench for Blues in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Yeovil Town.

And Heath was delighted to see the duo feature in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie.

“For all the academy staff past and present it was a proud moment,” said Heath.

“It was a big buzz like it always is.

“We had it last year with Henry Sandat breaking through and it was great to see them get on.”

MacDonald and Blake both came off the bench to feature at Husih Park, with 16-year-old MacDonald entering the action just before half-time.

And their involvement came following an incredibly difficult period for the club’s youth set-up which now operates just an under 19 team.

“It’s been tough but we’ve always said to the players we control what we can control and do it to the best of our ability,” said Heath.

“We’ve always said there are no excuses because we’ve all got a job to do and we’ve got on with it.”

The youth team staff and squad have continued to battle on.

And their efforts were rewarded at the weekend after years of endeavour.

“Beau has been at the club since he was six,” said Heath.

“There was a lot of interest in him in the summer.

“Clubs wanted to sign him but he wants to be at Southend United and it’s the same with Ronnie too.

“He’s a second year but he’s been here since the under 10s.

“They’ve both been here a long time and Ronnie had no doubts about staying when we stopped being a Cat 3 academy at the end of last season.

“That’s important to us and the players have got to want to be here.

“But it’s a great story for both of them.”

The duo were both back training with the youth team this morning and were keen to pass on what they had learnt.

“They both learnt loads from being away with the players and staff,” said Heath.

“It’s about bringing that back to the youth team and working hard.

“Whenever the next opportunity comes, whenever it is, they’ve got to be ready.

“They trained with us today and you could see a spring in their step.

“They were talking to the youth team players about the tempo of first team football and the quickness of the decision making.

“But the boys also said how supportive and helpful the players and staff were.”