Southend United's 1-1 Roots Hall friendly draw with Essex rivals Colchester on Saturday left Blues boss Steve Wignall fairly pleased with his side's progress.
The Shrimpers took the lead through defender Leon Cort's second-half bullet header, but U's midfielder Kem Izzet squared things up with a stunning late strike for the Second Division outfit.
Full stretch - Mark Warren battles for the ball against his former club Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
And after being robbed of a victory against his old team, Wignall said he felt Blues were shaping up well for the big Third Division kick-off against Cheltenham Town at Roots Hall this Saturday.
"Overall I was very pleased and I thought that was probably our best 90 minutes of the pre-season programme," said Wignall.
"We could have won the game and when Corty headed us in front we were on our way. But Izzet gave Carl Emberson no chance with a great equaliser, which is something he makes a habit of doing for Colchester.
"I'm very happy with our progress as we have brought in so many new faces over the summer and I think it is just starting to come together for us.
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Published Monday, August 4, 2003
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