SOUTHEND United head coach Kevin Maher was forced to substitute Josh Walker against Eastleigh on Saturday.

Walker made way for Jack Bridge nine minutes from time in the Shrimpers’ 1-0 win at the Silverlake Stadium.

And Maher admitted it was a change which had to be made.

“He got a whack and he was cramping up after working his socks off,” said Maher.

“He really put a shift in up there.”

Walker started alongside Macauley Bonne in attack before the former Ipswich Town forward was replaced by Bim Pepple who bagged the only goal of the game late on

But Maher is still craving more striking options.

“We want competition up top and want to have the option to start with two forwards and bring two on,” said Maher.

“There are so many games where we haven’t been able to do that and it will make us stronger.”

Maher is believed to still be in the market for another forward but could soon be boosted by the return of striker Danny Waldron who has been out