SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher praised the effort of his "unbelievable" players following Saturday's 1-1 draw at Oldham Athletic.

A depleted Shrimpers side dug deep to secure a share of the spoils at Boundary Park after Latics substitute Mike Fondop cancelled out Gus Scott-Morriss' opener.

And Maher was pleased with the determined display.

“What a brilliant performance from the players,” said the Blues boss.

“We knew it’s a tough place to come and we've got young Bim (Pepple) up front on his own as he’s our only recognised striker at the club, “He’s had to put a shift in but couldn’t last so we’re playing without a recognised striker on the pitch for the last 25 minutes.

But those struggles were in stark contrast to the Latics.

“You see what they’re bringing off the bench, they’ve made their five subs and it’s half the outfield team so they’ve got fresher legs but we stood up to it,” said Maher.

“It really was an incredible effort from the players and an unbelievable shift from them too.”

The 16th placed Shrimpers have now drawn four of their six games so far this season.

And Maher, who could select only six substitutes, knows more strength in depth is needed.

“Teams like Oldham and Forest Green have strengthened but its where we’re at and we’ve got to crack on and work hard” said Maher.

“Young Beau (MacDonald) and Mikey (Faulkner), I felt putting them on in the game would be too much in terms of physicality.

“In all honesty they should be out learning their trade playing men’s football somewhere.

“We’ve got them involved and they’re great young lads but if we’re to get out of this league we’ve got to be a lot stronger.

“But everyone is working round the clock to make it happen.”

And Maher feels the Shrimpers are still paying the price for being unable to add to their squad when under embargo at the end of last season.

“It's not saying I haven’t been backed, it’s hard to sign players at this stage of the season when teams have just got their squads together,” said Maher.

“I wanted to do the work in the summer and I knew exactly what was needed to make us a team at the top end.

“Now that’s been delayed we are where we are and it’s hard to sign players now.

“Clubs won’t let them go unless you pay top, top dollar.

“But it’s got to be value for money and you’ve got to sign the right players too.

“It’s easy to just sign anyone but signing the right ones is the hard part.

And Maher also admitted he knows it will take time for the club to get back on track.

“Just because the takeover has happened you can’t flick a switch and everything is perfect,” said Maher.

“Behind the scenes everyone is working so hard.

“The consortium have been in for a really short period and you can’t undo years of what’s gone on overnight and that’s right throughout the club.”

But Maher remains determined to succeed.

“I want to get out of this league as quickly as we can,” said the 47-year-old.

“Are we at the same level as the end of last year, probably not in terms of squad size and depth but do we have a good core, absolutely and when we add to that it gives us a chance.

“I knew going into pre-season we were a little bit behind with everything round the place but everyone is working round the clock.”

And Maher took heart from picking up a point at Boundary Park.

Oldham will be right up there and to lead for such a long time and to take the game to them with such a threadbare squad was an unbelievable achievement,” said Maher.

“I’m delighted we gave the fans who travelled so far something and you could see at the end the connection we had last year.

“It’s important we don’t lose that.”