SOUTHEND United defender Kacper Lopata played an hour of this afternoon's friendly at Wycombe Wanderers.

The centre-back, who returned to the Shrimpers on a permanent basis last week, started the 1-1 draw at Adams Park.

And Blues boss Kevin Maher was pleased to see the defender back in action.

“Kacper hasn’t played since June so it was important he got some minutes under his belt and got used to the little nuances of the game again," said Maher.

"It was good to him playing."

But it was not just Lopata who pleased Maher.

"Bridgey (Jack Bridge) got some good minutes and so did Chris Wreh, so that was pleasing," said Maher.

"There’s nothing worse than being on the bench when you don’t actually get to play football, so that’s why I think these games are very good.

"It keeps their eye in in terms of match fitness and also in terms of being used to playing regularly.”

Midfielder Oli Coker bagged the Blues goal.

Southend United: Trialist, Crowhurst, Reeve, Lopata (Davis 62 (Bolarinwa 80)), Droney, Arrowsmith, Coker, Benton, Wood, Wreh (Fiddes 72),  Bridge (Sandat 72).

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