SOUTHEND United defender Adam Crowther missed Saturday’s pre-season defeat to Gillingham due to a groin injury.

The centre-back watched on from the directors box as the Shrimpers were beaten 3-1 at Roots Hall.

And Blues boss Kevin Maher confirmed Crowther was unavailable due to an injury he suffered in training this week.

“Adam has had a tight groin since training Thursday,” said Maher.

“He’s been unable to do anything in terms of getting out on the grass so we couldn’t risk him today.”

However, Maher was able to welcome back defender Harry Taylor for the first time since he suffered a nasty cut on his forehead against Great Wakering Rovers at the start of pre-season.

And the Blues head coach was also pleased Nathan Ralph was fit enough to feature off the bench after injuring his ankle at Bishop’s Stortford last time out.

“Having Harry back is important and Ralphy has had an ankle issue since the last game so it was good he played too,” said Maher.

“He got through a bit today but we didn’t want to risk him from the start.”