SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher opted to go with a more physical starting line-up at Hartlepool United on Saturday.

For the second season in succession, Blues wing-back Jack Bridge was selected on the bench at the Prestige Group Stadium.

And Maher thought Nathan Ralph’s battling qualities would be better suited down the left hand side against Pools.

“He (Jack Bridge) is unlucky to miss out but I thought the physicality of Ralphy down that side was important,” said Maher.

“It’s tough here and they ask questions with the big man up top.

“We had stand up to the physical element of the game but the plan was to always bring Bridgey and Noor (Husin) when the game was more stretched and there would be more room for them to play.

“It worked out that way with the sending off but with five changes off the bench it’s now a big part of the game."