Not a match either Blues boss Paul Sturrock or reserve team player/coach Graham Coughlan wanted with the current injury list at the club, but they have to be played some time!
It was an inexperienced side that steps out this evening at Maldon and Tiptree FC, though a couple of trailists tried their luck in former Rushden & Diamonds centre-back George Artemi is one, only 18 and originally from Westcliff, while the other is Aveley midfielder Danny Baglioni. Artemi has spent some time this season on loan to great Wakering Rovers.
However, Farmers reserve-team boss Richard Hall is likely to start with a number of first-team squad members, and maybe the odd one that we've seen at Roots Hall on loan, while also giving a trail to four players.
They are teenage defenders from Tottenham, Zaine Francis Angol, a 17-year-old left-back, and centre-half Olumide Durojaiye, 18, and a couple of strikers, Fulham's Matthew Reece, 17, and Leeds youngster Jonathan Birbeck, will also see action tonight.
Another former Leeds player, midfielder Ian Westlake, also featured after training with the other team in Essex for the last two weeks following his release from Wycombe Wanderers.
Clear cut chances were few and far between as the final scoreline suggests, Col U's Lapado went close, while the Shrimpers Saturday goal scorer Kyle Asante tried his luck to see the ball sail over the bar.
On thirty minutes though George Smith had a good chance but saw his effort go wide while closing in goal.
Danny Bugliani was trying to impress the watching Blues management, however a shot from a free-kick also went past the post.
The second half couldn't break the deadlock but the hosts started to dominate, Birbeck just going wide with a fine half volley, before Hamilton forced Rhys Evans into a good save.
This was followed up by an O'Toole lob that Evans did well to tip over, and it was the Southend reserve shot stopper who was called into action yet again, Birbeck's slick volley making sure the former Chelsea youth earned his wages, if he gets them.
The Essex boys from the south-east did find the but the goal struck off for offside, leaving the Farmers close to grabbing the winner near the end, Craig Arnott seeing his fierce strike hitting the woodwork.
So after all that, not a bad result for Graham Coughlan's Shrimpers seconds after the 1-1 draw last week with Oxford considering the teams he's had to put out.
Southend United: Evans, Furlonge, Artemi, Bacutt, Nesbitt, Bouzid, Baglioni, Stephens, Della-Verde, Smith, Asante.
Subs: Auger, Njie, Paxman, Hassini, McKay, Coker.
George Artemi info:
www.digitalfc.com/greatwakeringroversfc/first-team/players/george-artemi