SOUTHEND United’s youth team chief Ricky Duncan hailed his side’s work ethic as they saw off in-form Barnet 1-0 in the second round of the FA Youth Cup at Roots Hall tonight, with only 10 men.

The Shrimpers were forced to play virtually the whole of the second half with a numerical disadvantage after skipper Ross Johnson was sent off after being shown two yellow cards.

But Blues were still able to hang on to their narrow lead, given to them by a fine, first half header from striker George Burton.

And that delighted Duncan, whose side will now host Middlesbrough in the third round.

“The way the players dug in after going down to 10 men was just unbelievable and so was the work ethic,” said Duncan.

“I really can’t praise the boys enough because there’s no denying Barnet are a very strong side.

“But that’s four games they haven’t beaten us in now so I think we’re something of a bogey team for them.”

Barnet are currently top of the league table, 16 points above the Shrimpers.

However, Southend were still able to come out on top thanks to Burton’s excellent header.

And his hard-working display in attack was also praised by Duncan.

“George has worked through a lot this year and he was fantastic this evening,” said Duncan.

“He didn’t start the season in the team but he’s worked hard in training and he’s getting the rewards now.

“Last year I wasn’t sure about him because of his attitude at times.

“But he’s worked hard and since the summer he’s really got his head down.

“He’s now proof to all the other boys that if you get your mentality and work-rate right then performances like tonight become possible.”

Blues will now host Middlesbrough in the next round.

And Duncan is certain the Championship club will not be relishing their trip to Roots Hall.

“If Middlesbrough were here tonight they will know we’re a side with spirit who can also play a bit,” said Duncan.

“It certainly won’t be easy for them coming here.”

Blues set up the Middlesbrough by grinding out a narrow win against Barnet and it was the hosts who were on top early on.

Right-back Jordan Williams sent a right wing cross against the top of the crossbar before the Shrimpers bagged what proved to be the only goal of the game in the 21st minute, with Burton on target.

The first year scholar was picked out at the near post by Brandon Scott’s right wing cross and brilliantly looped a header in to the opposite side of the North Bank net.

Johnson then almost doubled Southend’s lead when his close range header was impressively parried out by Barnet goalkeeper Kai McKenzie Lyle.

However, Johnson was soon involved for all the wrong reasons right at the start of the second half when we was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge.

But, after the midfielder’s dismissal, Blues fought tirelessly and restricted Barnet to very few goalscoring opportunities.

And it was Southend who came closest to scoring late on when Scott’s shot was parried by Lyle in to the path of substitute Imani Matthews but his effort was somehow blocked on the line by defender Joe Gater.

However, the miss was not to prove costly as Southend saw out the remaining few minutes to secure an heroic win.

Blues: Bexon, Williams, Coutts, Matsuzaka, Adeyeye, Johnson, Scott, Keating, Gard (Bedford, 84), Cotton, Burton (Matthews 86) Unused: Macree, Salami, Batlokwa