SOUTHEND United’s youth team chief Ricky Duncan heaped praise on his side’s first half display following their 4-2 win against Northampton Town.

Blues netted all four of their goals during an impressive 45 minutes at Boots & Laces.

But Duncan was less impressed by the second half display.

“Overall I can’t knock the lads because it’s a good win and the first half performance was excellent,” said Duncan.

“However, we switched off during the second half and this keeps on happening.

“I don’t think we’ve won a second half for four or five games now and it can’t keep on happening.

“They seem to think the game is already won and stop playing but we can’t afford to be like that because we’re letting teams back into matches when it shouldn’t be happening.”

Blues, who have still only been beaten twice so far this season, went in front after just 10 minutes when top scorer Dan Walker bagged his 13th goal of the season.

The forward raced onto a through ball from Joe Bedford and steered the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

Moments later, Renei Batlokwa sent an effort against the outside of the right post before Blues doubled their lead in the 33rd minute.

This time Walker was the creator as he teed up Damani Dias who guided a low shot into the back of the net from 15 yards.

The Shrimpers continued to pile on the pressure and extended their advantage in the 41st minute when Harry Phillips fired home a penalty after Batlokwa had been brought down by the visiting goalkeeper.

But Batlokwa was not to be denied and he made it 4-0 on the stroke of half-time with an unstoppable effort from 20 yards.

However, Blues eased off after the break, allowing Northampton to get back into the game with a forceful header from James Hammond.

Shrimpers shot-stopper Josh Bexon was then forced into making an excellent one-handed save.

But the Cobblers still the final say with Callum Westwood firing home the rebound after Bexon had made another smart stop.

Southend United U18s: Bexon, Bwomono, Clifford, Bedford (Ripsher 59), Mackenzie, Salami, Dias, Musselwhite, Walker (Wabo 64), Batlokwa (Matthews 74), Phillips.

Sub not used: Gard.