JASON Williams bagged a brace as Southend United’s under 21 team recorded an entertaining 5-3 victory at AFC Wimbledon in the Final Third Development League Cup this afternoon.

Blues included the fit again Kevan Hurst in the starting line-up along with Adam Thompson, Jack Payne and Stephen McLaughlin.

And the Shrimpers’ under 21 boss Dave Robertson was pleased to have edged an eight goal second half.

“It was an entertaining game that was quite open but we did well and it was a good performance,” said Robertson.

“We made a few tactical changes at the start of the second half and were soon 4-0 up.

“But we then had a mad three or four minute spell when we conceded three times and that was disappointing.

“It’s something we need to look at but other than that it was a good afternoon and we got the two goal win we needed to give us a chance of making the next round.”

McLaughlin, Nico Cotton and an own goal from Paul Kalambayi completed the scoring for the Shrimpers.

And Robertson was full of praise for the senior professionals in action.

“Kevan Hurst, Stephen McLaughlin and Adam Thompson all played 90 minutes and got what they wanted from the game,” said the former Peterborough United boss.

“Their attitude was spot on and helped us to win the game.

“It was great for Jason to get another couple of goals and Jack Payne was exceptional in the number 10 role.”

AFC Wimbledon wasted a great chance to open the scoring after 16 minutes when Tom Beere saw a penalty saved by Blues goalkeeper Josh Bexon.

Southend hit back after the break with McLaughlin converting a cross from Payne before Cotton made it 2-0 in the 48th minute with an excellent finish.

Williams then netted from a McLaughlin cross before the powerful striker converted another pass from the Irishman to put Blues 4-0 in front.

However, AFC Wimbledon hit back with three goals in the space of four minutes with Reece Batchelor and Jayden Antwi on target along with an own goal from defender Harry Kyprianou.

But Southend made sure of their win when Kalambayi put the ball past his own goalkeeper in the 85th minute.

Southend United: Bexon, Thompson, Matsuzaka, Kyprianou, Adeyeye, Hurst, Bridge, McLaughlin, Cotton (Norman 85), Payne, Jason Williams

Subs not used: Jordan Williams, Gard, Scott & Johnson