TED Smith kept a clean sheet on his return from injury as Southend United’s under 23 side won 2-0 at Notts County this afternoon.

Smith – who had been out since mid-September with a shoulder problem – played the full 90 minutes.

And Shrimpers coach Kevin Maher was pleased to see the shot-stopper make a winning return as goals from Harry Phillips and Jack Bridge saw his side triumph.

“It was a great game for the players and it was a good result too,” said Maher.

“We went up on the day and it was a heavy pitch so it was certainly a test but it was one the lads came through.

“With the attacking quality we have we are always going to score goals but it was pleasing to get a clean sheet at the other end.”

Blues opened the scoring with a fantastic 25 yard free-kick from Phillips who has now netted in his last three games.

Bridge then wrapped up the scoring with a fine finish following a counter attack.

Southend United: Smith, Clifford (Humphreys), Curran, Pianim, Cotton, Gard (Miles-Nelson), Klass, Batlokwa (Clark), Phillips, Bridge, Wabo (Acquah)