On the bench - Jack Bridge (Image: FOCUS IMAGES)
SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher opted to go with a tighter back five at Hartlepool United on Saturday.
Maher left Jack Bridge out of the starting line-up for the first time this season with Nathan Ralph moving to left wing-back.
And the Shrimpers head coach made the decision due to threats possessed by the home-side.
“Their striker up front is a threat and we knew the seven and the 11 played in the pocket to cause us problems so we thought we would be more structured and tighter in our shape,” said Maher.
“Ralphy offers you that.
“They’re a big side so size wise it helped as well.
“We knew Bridgey (Jack Bridge) and Wes (Fonguck) coming on as the game stretched would mean there was space there for them.”
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