BARNET boss Dean Brennan is backing Southend United to push for promotion this season.

The Bees beat the Shrimpers 2-1 at the Hive on Saturday.

But Brennan saw enough to suggest Kevin Maher's side will be up towards the top of the National League table this term.

"They're a very good side and a team who will be pushing for promotion like ourselves," Brennan told the club's YouTube channel.

"They showed their character as well coming back to equalise but in the first half with a bit more quality in the final third ,which has been our nemesis in the first four games, we could've been 4-0 ahead."

However, the Shrimpers were able to get on top themselves in the second half.

And that led to Brennan having to make tactical changes. 

"They started dominating the ball more in midfield and Cav Miley was getting way too much of the ball," said the former Billericay Town boss.

"We made the decision to change our system.

"Idris (Kanu) wasn't having a great time here against Gus Scott-Morriss and it was a sub I thought above five minutes before he scored because he looked tired and fatigued.

"We pushed (Mark) Shelton on Miley, we put (Richard) Nartey on to George Moncur and against (Anthony) Hartigan we had Coker.

"We went two up front and our subs made a huge impact too."

Barnet have now won three games in a row and sit third in the table.