What the Southend boss said on his side's defeat to Portsmouth

Pompey celebrate John Marquis' opener against Southend. Picture: Nigel Keene

The Blues ran out comfortable 3-0 winners of the EFL Trophy clash last night.

John Marquis bagged a penalty to open the scoring before Ronan Curtis fired a double to book Pompey's place in the knockout stages of the competition.

Kenny Jackett made 10 changes from the 4-2 win at Burton last weekend, although everyone but Haji Mnoga could be considered as senior players.

In contrast, League Two strugglers Southend fielded plenty of fledgling talents, making six changes from their 1-1 draw with Crawley.

The Blues' win should have been even more emphatic, with the likes of Mnoga, Ryan Williams and Cam Pring missing golden opportunities.

Molesley saluted his Shrimpers' efforts against a far more experienced Pompey side.

And he feels his players will gain plenty from the game.

Speaking to Southend's club website, Molesley said: ‘I thought they equipped themselves really well playing against people 10 years older than them.

‘It's great for the club to show underneath how good they're doing with players like that being able to step in.

‘The younger players in our squad had an opportunity to get out there and we certainly showed some very good moments.

‘We had to defend against a very good side so there are loads of positives to take out of it.

‘The frustration will be the scoreline. We're gutted to be losing, there are some harsh lessons to be learnt because all of the goals came from when we were in controlling periods and having some good possession.

‘Unfortunately there were a few errors but they can be fogiven because they’re young players that are learning. They’re showing the right attitude and you can’t ask for much more.

‘They’re committing to the way we want to do things and at times you saw the good side to it and at times you saw some naivety.

"’But we’re working towards a new way of playing and all you can ask if for them to keep on showing the right attitude and a bravery to keep getting on the ball and doing the right things.’

Pompey’s final EFL Trophy group match is against West Ham under-21s on Tuesday, November 10.