JASON Williams bagged a brace to secure a strong Southend United side a 4-0 win at Canvey Island tonight.

The powerful striker was joined on the score-sheet by Jack Bridge and Jack Payne as the Shrimpers’ first team recorded their first victory in pre-season.

And Blues boss Phil Brown insisted he was satisfied by the performance.

“I think it was maybe the fitness levels which beat Canvey Island as we seemed to pin them back for long periods,” said Brown.

“The first half was one of tempo and we played with a good attitude, approach and mentality.

“It was a professional display and it continued in the second half before we made a few changes to rest some weary legs after the triple session we had in training yesterday.

“It was also pleasing to see Jason get his goals and he can only do what’s doing and keep on working defenders.

“He’s getting attention from a lot of Conference clubs but he’s got a chance and at the moment he’s second line behind David Mooney.”

Williams scored his first goal of the night after 13 minutes when he swept home a chipped pass forwards from David Worrall.

Two minutes later, the Shrimpers doubled their lead when Bridge fired a low, 25 yard shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

In reply, Canvey striker Martin Tuohy saw his chipped shot tipped over the crossbar by Southend goalkeeper Ted Smith before Blues hit back to make it 3-0 just before the break with Williams heading home a left wing cross from Myles Weston.

At the start of the second half, Ryan Leonard had a well struck long range shot pushed to safety by Canvey goalkeeper Jake Larkins.

But, 15 minutes from time, the Shrimpers completed the scoring with substitute Payne drilling home a low, left footed shot from the left hand side of the penalty area.

Southend: T Smith, Leonard, Bolger, Prosser, Coker (White 64), Worrall, Deegan (Timlin 64), Bridge (Payne 67), Atkinson (Wordsworth 66), Weston (Hurst 66), Williams