DAVID Mooney continued his return to full fitness by bagging a brace in Southend United's under 21 team's convincing 5-0 win against Bristol Rovers this afternoon.

Mooney - who has been out since October with an ankle injury - scored in both halves at Boots & Laces.

And Blues' coach Kevin Maher was happy to see his side record an emphatic victory.

"There were positives all over the pitch and everyone out there showed a really good attitude which was really pleasing to see," said Maher.

"I thought it was a very good performance and we played a lot of good football on what was quite a bobbly pitch.

"It was good to see Moons get more minutes under his belt and to also get a couple of goals but, alongside him, Jason Williams did well too.

Echo:

Goalscorer - Jason Williams (right) is congratulated by Norman Wabo

"He's also coming back from injury so it was good for him too.

"A lot of the youth team players did well and it was good for Nathan Bishop to keep a clean sheet in goal.

"The level of our defending meant he didn't really have too much to do but it will have been a great experience for him stepping up to play for the under 21s and I thought he did well.

"Overall, it was a pleasing afternoon and I'm really happy with how it all went."

Mooney - who suffered the ankle injury against Bournemouth in his last appearance for the under 21s - broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute before his strike partner Williams doubled Blues' lead just before the break.

Echo:

Celebrating - Abdul Salami (centre) shows his joy after scoring

Williams was returning from a hamstring injury suffered while on loan at Boreham Wood and he helped the Shrimpers pile on more pressure in the second half.

Centre-back Abdul Salami made it 3-0 in the 56th minute before Mooney bagged his second of the afternoon with another clinical finish just two minutes later.

The 32-year-old then made way for Dan Walker on the hour mark and the young replacement completed the scoring 20 minutes from time.

Walker hit the crossbar with another effort late on before the impressive Harry Phillips saw an effort ruled out for offside in the dying seconds of a largely one sided encounter.

Southend United: Bishop, Bwomono, Salami, Matsuzaka (Clifford 46), Coutts (Mackenzie 83), Bridge (Gard 78), Bedford, Phillips, Wabo, Williams (Cotton 71), Mooney (Walker 60)