Southend United picked up their first win of pre-season at Eastbourne Borough today thanks to a first half header from Tunisian defender Bilel Mohsni.

The centre-back got above the Eastbourne defence to head home Louie Soares corner after 26 minutes.

And that proved to be the only goal of the game following a strong defensive performance from Southend United.

Blues handed a trial to Plymouth left-back Chris Barker, with a view to taking the 30-year-old on loan, whilst Peterborough United forward Rene Howe was also given a run-out.

However, Eastborune nearly took an early lead when goalkeeper Rhys Evans spilled a cross from the right-hand side only for Ross Treleaven to fire over the bar from close range.

A foul on Scott Spencer then saw the forward curl the resulting free-kick wide of the post before Chris Barker's cross saw Mohsni's diving header go wide of keeper Ricky Banks goal at the other end.

Scott Spencer then won a corner for the Blues on 26 minutes and Soares resulting cross found the head of Mohsni who powerfully guided the ball past Banks before celebrating in front of the travelling Southend fans.

The goal proved the last real chance of the first half with Paul Sturrock's side leading at half time.

Almost instantly after the break and Blues custodian Rhys Evans had to be alert to deny Richard Pacquette before Banks fumbled at the other end and Gary Elphick had to clear for Eastbourne.

With a crowd of 503 in attendance Eastbourne fired wide of Evans post with 20 minutes to go before Andy Atkin forced a fine save from Evans.

Substitute Matt Paterson then should have scored a second for Southend in the 84th minute when he shrugged off a challenge before rounding keeper Banks only for the ball to go wide of the post in the final action of the second half.

Sturrock will complete his pre-season campaign on Tuesday night when Premier League side West Ham visit Roots Hall.

Southend: Rhys Evans, Sean Clohessy, Chris Barker, Anthony Grant, Graham Coughlan, Bilel Mohsni, Louie Soares (Matt Paterson 68), Craig Easton, Rene Howe (Harry Crawford 64), Josh Simpson, Scott Spencer (Barry Corr 53).

Subs not used: Mark Phillips, Luke Prosser, Glenn Morris, Johnny Herd, Vitalijs Zils.