SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is seeking competition for places in his strike-force.

Macauley Bonne started alongside Josh Walker at Eastleigh last weekend before Bim Pepple scored the winner after coming off the bench.

But Maher feels all his forwards have something to contribute, including Bonne has yet to score since signing for the Shrimpers. 

 "Sometimes we're too quick to write people off," said Maher.

"I want competition for the front-line though and some days it will work for someone and other days it won't.

"Others have got to take their opportunities and subs are important, especially at the top end of the pitch where you can change things.

"We haven't had that opportunity but we've got it now with Bim pushing.

"Macca's in there as well and his knowledge and experience is good.

"We've got Walks as well and we want all our forwards firing and pushing for places."

Pepple is the Shrimpers' top scoring striker this season with three goals to his name.

And Maher was happy to see the on loan Luton Town forward score the winner last time out. 

"We've had a lot of people coming in and we're pleased he got the goal at the time he did," said Maher.

"We always want to be able to change our forwards at the right time because if you get to 60/70 minutes and can bring fresh legs on when other teams are tiring that has to be a positive.

"It's what we've wanted to get to and we've seen it with other clubs this year.

"We haven't been able to do it but maybe we got the sub right on Saturday."