SOUTHEND United head coach Kevin Maher was pleased to hand Henry Sandat his Shrimpers debut against Aldershot Town.

The 17-year-old striker played the final 15 minutes in place of Aaron Cosgrave at the EBB Stadium.

And Maher – whose side were beaten 2-0 - was happy to give the youngster his first taste of senior football.

“I’m pleased for him,” said Maher.

“I obviously wish it was in different circumstances but it’s never a bad thing to make your debut.

“All credit to him because he’s a good footballer.

“Well done to him and all the youth team coaches who have done a lot of work.

“They deserve an enormous amount of credit for stuff that’s gone on.

“I’m pleased for them and it’s good for our youth system and the academy.”

Sandat has scored nine goals in 12 youth team appearances this season and was twice an unused substitute for the first team early on in the campaign.

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