GARRY Kimble hopes Great Wakering Rovers’ relationship with Southend United will continue to flourish.

Two of the Shrimpers’ most promising youngsters - Harry Seaden and Matt Rush - have made the move to Burroughs Park since the turn of the year.

Rush scored his first goal for the Isthmian North club in the 4-1 friendly win over Eastern Senior League Division One South high-flyers White Ensign on Tuesday.

And Kimble is thankful to Blues for allowing Wakering to play a key role in aiding the striker’s development.

“I think Rushy has got a bright future ahead of him,” said Kimble, who replaced Iain O’Connell as Wakering boss in the summer.

“You can see that he is very good tactically and he will cause defences a lot of problems in the Isthmian North.

“I want to thank Southend United for letting us take him on loan because it’s a key part of his career.

“I think he will do well for us because he works hard and gets at defenders, which is something I thought we were missing before Rushy came in.

“He hustles and bustles and I think Rushy and Sham (Shomari Barnwell) will be a handful for any defence in the Isthmian North.”

Seaden, who has appeared for England at youth level, is also impressing between the sticks for Wakering.

Despite conceding four goals on his debut against Maldon & Tiptree, the goalkeeper has made a number of fine saves since making the temporary move to Burroughs Park and Kimble has been pleased with the youngster’s progress.

“Harry has done well for us since coming to the club,” added Kimble.

“He conceded four goals on his debut and a lot of players would have allowed their head to drop.

“But Harry didn’t and he was great in our win over Romford on Saturday.

“We have a good rapport with Southend United now and hopefully that will continue in the months and years ahead.”

Wakering prepared for this weekend’s trip to Felixstowe & Walton United by seeing off White Ensign.

Although player-manager Brett Munyard was on target for the visitors, Wakering were able to seal a 4-1 victory.

Player-coach Stephen Butterworth converted from the penalty spot, with Rush, Ollie Woodhouse and new signing Abdi Mohamad Abdisamad also getting their names on the scoresheet.

Abdisamad has joined Wakering from Glebe.