SOUTHEND United skipper Nathan Ralph suffered an ankle injury during Blues’ win at Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday.

The Blues defender had to be taken off five minutes before the break and was later seen leaving the RDA Stadium wearing a protective boot.

But Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher is unsure how serious Ralph’s injury setback will prove to be.

“He’s gone home wearing a boot,” said Maher.

“He got a whack and he rolled it slightly too. We’ll wait and see how it settles down and then take things from there.”

Ralph’s injury setback was the only sour note of another positive afternoon for the Shrimpers.

A first half header from Gus Scott-Morriss and a penalty from Josh Walker saw Blues record a third pre-season victory in succession.

And Maher felt Blues improved after initially making a slow start to the contest.

“It’s always difficult to judge too much but it’s nice to win and get a clean sheet,” said Maher.

“The first half I thought it was a bit slow and sloppy but it’s probably understandable after a big training day yesterday.

“That probably contributed to it a little bit but once we sorted that out and played through the pitch a bit quicker we were more of a threat.”

Maher was also able to call upon fit again goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi and left wing-back Jack Bridge for the first time this pre-season.

And Maher was delighted to see the duo back in action.

“The longer it goes without them playing minutes the more difficult it is,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“It was important for them to play so I’m pleased with them and it was good to see.”

But Maher still has plenty to sort ahead of the forthcoming campaign which gets underway next month.

“I’ve got a couple of staffing things I need to sort out,” said Maher who is currently without a goalkeeping coach and an analyst.

“Fitness wise we’re OK but we’re still a bit off if I’m being honest. We’ve got a bit more work to do and we’d like one or two more bodies.”