SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher was pleased to see more of his squad play important minutes in Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw at Ballyfermot United.

Maher opted not to call upon the likes of Gus Scott-Morriss, Nathan Ralph, Cav Miley and Harry Cardwell during the goalless encounter.

And the Shrimpers chief felt it was important to get players up to speed against their Irish opponents.

“First of all thanks to Ballyfermot for hosting us at short notice,” said Maher.

“For them to put on the game on a really, really good pitch with brilliant facilities has been great and we’re grateful to them for that.

“There’s players who hadn’t had enough minutes who played and the defenders all had to play 90 minutes.

“Gubbo (Joe Gubbins), Kens (Oliver Kensdale) and Harry Taylor were all excellent and Collin got more minutes as did Morts (James Morton).

“We didn’t use Cav (Miley), Cards (Harry Cardwell) or Gus (Scott-Morriss) and it’s about getting the balance right.”

But the Shrimpers were unable to break the deadlock against their Leinster Senior League hosts.

“Credit to them, they made it difficult at times,” said Maher.

“We had plenty of chances but it was one of those nights it just wouldn’t go in."

However, Maher still feels coming to Ireland has been hugely beneficial for Blues.

"The trip has been brilliant," sad the Shrimpers chief.

"We got two sessions in yesterday and the lads trained today too.

"It’s been first class and it’s so nice seeing so may Southend shirts here as well.

"We can’t thank them enough for coming over and hopefully going forward we can keep doing stuff like this."