Southend manager Steve Tilson praised his side after they earned a share of the spoils in the 1-1 promotion battle with Nottingham Forest.The first 45 minutes had been dominated by the home side, but their only success came in the 20th minute when 18-year-old Hal Robson-Kanu, on loan from Reading, beat goalkeeper Paul Smith with a fine shot before Matt Thornhill's second-half equaliser.

Tilson said: "Although I'm a little disappointed we didn't emerge with victory, I have to be tremendously pleased with our effort.

"We were without several players through injury and many of the lads I sent out were youngsters lacking any real experience at this level.

"But they all came up trumps and emphasised that they certainly have a future in the game.

"We had enough chances to have done so, but as I've already said, I've got to be happy with the performance the lads put in."

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