SOUTHEND United’s youth team chief Ricky Duncan admitted even he had been pleasantly surprised by his side’s start to the new season.

The Shrimpers’ under 18 side made it three wins in a row with a 3-1 victory against Leyton Orient at Boots & Laces on Tuesday afternoon.

And Duncan was delighted by how Blues defended to see off the O’s and continue their 100 per cent record.

“I have to say this is a really good group and they have surprised us by how well they are doing so early on in the season,” said Duncan.

“It’s been a very tough start against three very strong sides but the boys have played some really good football to win all of the games.

“It’s still very early days but what really pleased me against Orient was how well we defended.

“Orient had two very strong forwards and, when they were chasing the game, they were a bit more direct.

“But we stood up to that and the way Abdul Salami has stepped up to lead the side has been fantastic.”

The in-form Shrimpers took just two minutes to take the lead against Orient when Norman Wabo capitalised on a defensive slip to fire home his third goal in two games.

Blues had to work hard to stay in front and dug deep defensively to stay in front until half-time.

After the break, Orient continued to attack but the Shrimpers stood firm and doubled their lead in the 69th minute when Dan Walker flicked Josh Bexon’s goal-kick into the path of Renei Batlokwa.

The attacking midfielder then unselfishly squared the ball into the path of Harry Phillips who steered home his first goal of the season.

Five minutes later, the Shrimpers extended their lead when Salami headed home a fine right wing cross from Alex Clark.

And, despite Orient soon hitting back with a penalty from Christian Owusu, Blues were still able to bag another hard fought three points.

Southend United U18s: Bexon, Bwomono, Clifford, Bedford, MacKenzie, Salami, Gard (Dias 79), Batlokwa, Wabo (Walker 58), Phillips, Clark.

Subs not used: Macree, Matthews & Musselwhite.