SOUTHEND United head coach Kevin Maher was pleased to get more minutes into his players at Canvey Island tonight.

A well-taken header from Gus Scott-Morriss secured a 1-0 victory for the Shrimpers at the Movie Starr Stadium.

And Maher was happy with his work-out.

“You can see where we’re short of numbers through injuries and bumps and bruises but we’re pleased to come through it and win the game,” said Maher.

“Results aren’t important pre-season but it’s a clean sheet and I’m pleased with everyone.

“It’s been difficult but we’ve got good minutes into players again and hopefully we’ve come through it unscathed.”

Blues bagged the only goal of the game 12 minutes from time with Scott-Morriss heading home.

And Maher thought it was a well-worked goal.

“It was a great ball from Harry Taylor and it was a brilliant header from Gus,” said Maher.

“We didn’t get as many chances as we wanted, although saying that we did have a couple of good ones in the first half.”

Blues have now won all three of their pre-season matches having previously beaten a young West Ham United side and Bishop’s Stortford