Steve Tilson was pleased to see Francis Laurent stab home a late goal and get Southend United back to winning ways in pre-season at Barnet.

The Blues chief has seen more injuries hit his plans recently, with a number of players on the sidelines, but was happy with the team's application and desire.

Steve told Blues Player: "It was good to get the late goal tonight to get the win.

"Friendlies are all about fitness, but having lost against Ipswich and Dagenham, this was pleasing.

"Francis Laurent has been doing well down the right wing and it was good to see him score.

"It's a new position for me, but we are short on bodies in that position and it's been good to try it out.

"It was a competitive game tonight and Barnet made it difficult, but it was good to keep a cleansheet and then get the late winner.

"We created a number of chances and you want to get more goals, but I was happy with the work rate and effort of the players.

"We have one more friendly left now and we'll go to Stevenage on Friday looking to get another positive result before the season starts.

"I'll also be speaking to the trialists after today's game, so we will see what happens."