SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher has explained why Nathan Ralph switched to left wing-back against York City on Saturday.

Joe Gubbins was named at left-sided centre-back for the season opener at Roots Hall with Jack Bridge in a more central midfield role.

And Maher revealed the changes were made due to Ralph’s ability in the air.

“Gubbo (Joe Gubbins) gives us balance as left-side centre half and Ralphy (Nathan Ralph) is athletic enough to deal with getting up and down the pitch,” explained Maher.

“We thought if we got into the final third it would be a mismatch with him at the far post against their full-backs but we didn’t get in there enough.”