SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher opted not to call upon four members of his squad against Great Wakering Rovers.

Goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi, left wing-back Jack Bridge, midfielder James Morton and striker Danny Waldron all missed out with slight niggles.

And Maher was not prepared to risk any of the injuries becoming more serious.

“We couldn’t risk them,” said Maher.

“We’re still training on sometimes hard ground sometimes soft and it makes it difficult.

“Fingers crossed we’ll have the new training pitches to go onto soon.

“They’re not quite ready and we need them done as quickly as possible to get a consistent pitch we train on.