SOUTHEND United’s under-18 side started the new season with a 2-1 win at Barnet.

Goals from Matt Rush and Charlie Kelman saw the Shrimpers kick-off the campaign in style, much to the delight of coach Dave Huzzey.

“I’m pleased for the boys, I’m pleased for the staff and I’m pleased for the club too,” said Huzzey.

“We’re looking at the process and Saturday was a real positive step towards what we’re looking for as a team.

“They were outstanding and it’s a credit to this academy that we can put two under-16 players in the starting line-up to play 90 minutes and they have more than survived and performed to a high level.

“They were excellent and the most pleasing thing wasn’t when we were 2-0 up, it was when it went to 2-1 and seeing how they reacted to that.

“It was a good start and the performance showed a lot about us.

“But we must go and build on it now.”

Southend came close to taking an early lead when Rush’s header from Jon Benton’s free-kick was smartly saved by the Barnet goalkeeper before the hosts came even closer to breaking the deadlock with an effort which clipped the outside of the right post.

The Shrimpers hit back with Terrell Egbri sending a deflected effort inches wide of the target in the closing action of the first half.

After the break, Barnet were again denied by the woodwork as a well-struck shot smashed against the crossbar before Blues defender Alex Bragg did well to nod another effort off the goal-line.

But, after surviving the scares, Southend soon replied and opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, with Rush on target.

The goal was made by the impressive Kelman, who worked his way past a defender before teeing up Rush to slot home.

Three minutes later, the Shrimpers doubled their lead from the penalty spot which was won and converted by Kelman, who continued his prolific form from pre-season to hit the back of the net.

Barnet got a goal back in the 74th minute to set up a frantic finale to the game but Blues stood strong to secure an opening day success.

The Shrimpers will now be bidding for more of the same when they host Gillingham at Boots & Laces on Saturday, kick-off 11am.

Southend United: Seaden, Osimeh, Bragg, Brogan, Mitchell-Nelson (Dabbs 64), Wallace, Stewart, Benton, Kelman, Rush (Mpangea 85), Egbri