SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher was pleased to hand the club’s young players an opportunity to impress at Great Wakering Rovers.

Midfielders Beau MacDonald and Mikey Faulkner both started the pre-season clash along with defender Olu Shobowale while goalkeeper Charlie Brown, midfielders Piers Hatcliff and Ronnie Blake came on in the second half along with striker Joe Poxon.

Hatcliff and Poxon both worked their way onto the score-sheet in the 5-0 win. And Maher was happy to see the teenagers take their chance.

“It’s something I’ve always prided myself on and we’ve had to call them up late from their youth team game because we had people drop out with niggles,” said the Blues head coach.

“I’m pleased for them.

“Pre-season is always a chance to let people know who you are and what you can do.”

Saturday’s clash was Blues’ first of the summer.

And Maher thoroughly enjoyed the encounter.

“In the end it was comfortable but it was lovely to come here and bring so many fans to a traditional pre-season game,” said Maher.

“It’s nice to do it again and the people at Great Wakering made us feel so welcome, “We’re pleased with the whole experience.”

“It’s been a while since the last game of the season and it’s nice to get out and play football again. It was nice to get a few goals and a clean sheet. For the first pre-season game it went really well.”