SOUTHEND United completed a memorable day for the club with a clinical 2-0 victory against Oxford City at Roots Hall tonight.

First half goals from Harry Cardwell and Jack Wood saw the Shrimpers triumph in front of their biggest home crowd of the season.

And the triumph came just hours after a deal was announced for Jusin Rees and his consortium to take control of Blues.

Following an eventful afternoon off the pitch, it was a quiet start on it before Shrimpers midfielder Oli Coker fizzed a long range shot just inches past the left post.

Moments later, Blues came even closer to scoring when Coker’s cross found Harry Cardwell whose header was kept out by Oxford goalkeeper Chris Haigh.

Noor Husin’s effort from the resulting rebound was deflected wide of the right post but the hosts continued to threaten and went in front in the 31st minute, with Cardwell on target for the fourth game in succession.

A well-worked move saw Coker play the ball out to Gus Scott-Morriss whose fine right wing cross was headed into the left hand side of the North Bank net by Cardwell for his 10th goal of the season.

The Shrimpers remained on top and doubled their lead in the 38th minute, with Wood scoring his first senior goal for the club.

The striker saw his initial shot blocked by Haigh low down to his right but the youngster reacted sharply to the rebound to score from close-range.

After the break, Cardwell saw a low left footed shot blocked by former Concord Rangers goalkeeper Haigh following a through ball from Husin before the visiting custodian easily collected a deflected low shot from Bridge.

Moments later, Bridge sliced a shot wide of the right post after another pass from Husin as the hosts pushed for a third goal.

Blues boss Kevin Maher made his first change of the night in the 68th minute with the fit-again Wes Fonguck replacing Coker in midfield and he came close to making a quick impression when his curling shot was tipped over by Haigh.

In reply, Pierre Fonkeu sent a tame volley straight at Shrimpers goalkeeper David Martin before the hosts made their second substitution of the night with Mauro Vilhete coming on for Bridge 10 minutes from time.

Dan Mooney then also replaced Cardwell late on before the Shrimpers comfortably saw off the closing stages to send a crowd of 6, 075 fans home happy.