Northampton Town's reserves were in action at Southend on Tuesday afternoon as they kicked-off their 2008/09 Football League Combination campaign at Roots Hall.

Southend won the game 1-0 with Matt Harrold scoring the games only goal at the start of the second half.

The Cobblers nearly opened the scoring on the half hour mark as Joe Benjamin was denied by Ian Joyce when clean through on goal while Joyce again came to the Shrimpers rescue on 69 minutes to deny Ian Henderson.

"Overall I was reasonably pleased with the team's performance," said reserve team coach Ian Sampson.

"I felt we dominated the first half without creating too many chances. Ultimately one lapse in concentration has cost us but full credit to the lads after conceding the goal we came back strongly.

"I was pleased with all the players' efforts and the youngsters acquitted themselves well but perhaps a lack of quality finishing is in the end what cost us."

Cobblers: Dunn, Dyer, Marzetti, Guttridge, Dolman, Taylor, Osman, Coke, Henderson, Benjamin, Holt