Sturrock happy with draw

20 July 2010 10:31
Manager Paul Sturrock feels Southend can take plenty of positives from their latest pre-season outing against Derby. The Shrimpers fell behind to an early Rob Hulse header but hit back through Matt Paterson`s second-half penalty to earn a 1-1 draw. "It was unfortunate to concede early on but we were on the front foot until the very end," said Sturrock. "We have a lot of players here that have natural fitness and I am pleased with the shape of the team. "You have got to give the players credit for showing how much they are committed. It is impressive that the players have shown a good attitude and the standard of football we saw is very promising indeed." However, one sour note was an injury to Peter Gilbert. The left-back suffered a thigh strain but is expected to recover in time for the trip to Salisbury City on Friday night.

Source: PA