SOUTHEND United laboured to a 2-0 win against already relegated Maidstone at Roots Hall this afternoon.

Jack Bridge volleyed the Shrimpers into an early lead but the hosts had to withstand spells of Stones pressure before a Gus Scott-Morriss strike secured a second successive win for Kevin Maher’s side.

Blues started the contest brightly with Jake Hyde hooking an early volley over the crossbar but the Shrimpers were not to be denied and opened the scoring in the eighth minute, with Bridge on target for the ninth time this season.

His latest effort came after Harry Cardwell had been denied by Stones goalkeeper Yusuf Mersin when clean through on goal but Bridge reacted sharply to the subsequent rebound to score with a well-taken volley.

Maidstone hit back with Roarie Deacon seeing an 18 yard shot tipped over the crossbar by Blues goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi before the visitors came even closer to equalising in the 28th minute when Regan Booty’s 25 yard free-kick hit the top right hand side of the crossbar.

As play continued the Shrimpers were forced into making their first change of the afternoon as Jake Hyde limped off injured and was replaced in attack by Callum Powell.

Moments after the change, Maidstone came close to an equaliser in bizarre fashion when a deep left wing cross from Kevin Berkoe was fumbled just past his own right post by Andeng Ndi.

However, Maidstone continued to threaten with Booty – the son of former Blues defender Martyn – seeing a well-struck 25 yard shot tipped over the crossbar by Andeng Ndi.

The start of the second half was short of action and, in a bid to kick on, the Shrimpers made a second change in the 57th minute with Dan Mooney taking the place of Jon Benton in midfield.

Following the substitution, Shrimpers midfielder Cav Miley was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card after bringing down Roarie Deacon with a mistimed sliding challenge.

Referee Jason Richardson opted for just a final warning before the Shrimpers threatened momentarily with Mooney slicing a left footed shot over the crossbar from just inside the penalty area.

But Blues did make it 2-0 in the 76th minute when Powell sent an eight yard volley against the inside of the left post and Scott-Morriss’ follow up effort squirmed past Stones goalkeeper Mersin.

The Shrimpers made their final change six minutes later, with Henry Sandat taking the place of Cardwell up top before the hosts comfortably saw out the closing stages to pick up all three points.

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