Ha, I lasted the whole 90 minutes, what were the odds on that?
The first half did not go well for the Blues as Braintree opened up a two goal lead against a strong Southend line up.
It could have been worse if Town striker David Bryant had not shot straight at Ian Joyce, starting his second game in the Southend goal, in the first ten minutes.
It wasn't long though before an awful Sankofa back pass on 13 minutes gave Joyce no option but to bring down Micky Shinn inside the box. He did save the penalty, good on ya, but the rebound went straight back to taker and testimonial hero Mark Jones, who couldn't miss, 1-0.
Braintree will now embarrassing the Blues a touch with some good movement with the ever busy Bryant missing another clear chance as he headed over the bar while Joyce pulled off a smart save from the same player.
A second was on the cards and it duly came before half time when Bryant at last got on the score sheet, forcing over the line a loose ball from another Joyce save. Peter Clarke felt it had not gone over the line but the referee disagreed.
The Blues faithful at last saw a Southend chance but veteran striker Paul Furlong, who was to play the whole game, could not convert a good heading oppportunity made by a delightful chip into the area by Macca.
The Good Lord, Lee Barnard, was then sent on in the second half for Walker and nearly answered all the pprayers that were sent his way, nearly saving the game single handed. If we are to challange again for a play-off place Lee we need 20 goals plus from the man and to play at least 40 games, the latter being unlikely!
First, he brought a good stop from Braintree keeper Craig Holloway and then saw a glancing header go over the bar after a well taken corner. A third chance for Lee brought another great save from Holloway, diving to his right and just getting a glove to the shot.
As Blues started to dominate procedings further chances fell to Macca and Caotain Adam, the latter a bit of a bad miss from close range after a great Francis cross, but it was not to be.
A good run out for most of the new 'A' team but, certainly in the first 45, the match showed how a couple of new signings, at least, are needed to strengthen a weakened squad from last season.
Tilly certainly feels the players minds were elsewhere as he blasted their performance after the match demanding a better effort on Thursday against Billericay.
League season only three weeks away guys!
Southend: Joyce (Mildenhall H-T), Francis, Clarke (Barrett H-T), Sankofa, Murray, Moussa, McCormack, Bailey, Scannell, Furlong, Walker (Barnard H-T).