Sturrock: 'Pleased by the second half when we switched to a 4-3-3 formation'
Blues boss Paul Sturrock was more than happy with his teams 3-0 victory at Princes Park Monday evening which saw four trailists make an appearance as the Shrimpers turned around two different teams over the 90 minutes.
Sturrock told www.southendunited.co.uk: “We had a look at one or two different things and fielded two different line-ups so it was a good night for us. I was especially pleased by the second half when we switched to a 4-3-3 formation which I thought made a difference. The first half was difficult because we had a few more trialists and, if this had been a league game, then I would've switched to 4-3-3 much earlier but it was a good night. It also shows how much we have progressed since coming here last season and losing 2-0.”
Southend turned on the heat in the second half with goals from Bilel Mohsni, Neil Harris and trialist Ryan Leonard all did the business where Ryan Hall also showed he was determined to carry on from the last campaign.
Even so, Luggy had special words for the scoring Bomber on his first competitive appearance in a Shrimpers shirt.
Sturrock said: “Neil did well when he came on and we showed we will be able to play in a variety of systems too. There's still plenty of work to be done and it's still early days but it's a good start.”
Both Barry Corr and Blair Sturrock missed the game with a knee problem and ankle injury respectively, and because of that, even with Harris, Kyle Asante and Harry Crawford all turning out last night, Luggy told the official site that he was still in the market for a further forward to boost his squad even further.
Sturrock told BBC Essex: "We're not finished, we're still in the melting pot for a couple of players."
Shrimpers Pre-Season Schedule
Monday, July 11th - Dartford 0 Southend United 3
Tuesday, July 12th - Great Wakering Rovers (away), 19.45.
Saturday, July 16th - Dundee (at East Fife), 15.15.
Sunday, July 17th - East Fife or Raith Rovers (at East Fife), 13.00 or 15.15.
Wednesday, July 20th - Braintree Town (Away), 19.45. (SUFC X1)
Friday, July 22nd - IPSWICH TOWN (HOME), 19.45.
Thursday, July, 28th - NORWICH CITY (HOME), 19.45
Saturday, July 30th - Canvey Island (away), 15.00. (SUFC X1)