SOUTHEND bench looked pitiful as they were forced to play with just two substitutes live on TNT Sports.
The crisis-hit club were hit with a transfer embargo this season forbidding the arrival of new signings.
That has limited the Shrimpers to a squad size of just 17 players.
But recent injuries mean Kevin Maher has faced even tighter restrictions on his selection.
He was forced to name just two substitutes for the visit of National League leaders Chesterfield.
So the substitutes’ bench looked sparse as subs Dan Mooney and Brooklyn Kabongolo sat next to empty seats.
That meant Southend did not have a substitute goalkeeper on the bench.
But the limited numbers did not affect Southend as they came back from Will Grigg’s first-half goal to win 2-1.
However they are still in danger of being relegated after being docked 10 points for failing to pay a debt owed to HMRC.
Fans responded with protests against owner Ron Martin, and forced a match against Eastleigh into suspension by throwing tennis balls onto the pitch.
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But there is a light at the end of the tunnel with the club in the process of a takeover.
Last month Southend released a statement confirming they have reached an agreement for the sale of the club with a consortium led by Australian Justin Rees.
