SOUTHEND United’s hard fought 2-1 triumph at Tranmere Rovers was their first success at Prenton Park in 19 years.

And the manner of the well deserved win again showed the importance of the Shrimpers’ impressive youth set-up.

At the back, goalkeeper Daniel Bentley was forced to make a crucial stop in the opening exchanges, denying Rovers striker Cole Stockton when he was clean through on goal.

And, at the other end of the field, Jack Payne ran riot to tear Rovers to shreds.

Both players have risen through the ranks at Roots Hall and are now among the most important players in the first team.

The highly-rated Bentley is firmly established as one of the best goalkeepers and is again helping Blues boast one of the tightest defences in the division.

Payne also has the ability to make a similar impact in attack and now leads the Shrimpers’ scoring charts with five goals.

Hitting the back of the net on a consistent basis remains Southend’s biggest problem and will ultimately decide their destiny this season.

But, right now, Payne – along with David Worrall - is the Shrimpers' biggest threat and he has the ability to constantly unlock opposing defences.

Payne again showed those skills on Saturday and, just like Bentley, displays real commitment to the club having been connected with it for quite some time.

The duo will continue to help the Shrimpers carve out more good results as they push for promotion this season.

And the harsh reality is they will also make the club a huge deal of money when they depart.

That highlights the excellent work being done in the youth department by Ricky Duncan and there are more talented youngsters close to breaking through.

Goalkeeper Ted Smith has been capped by England at under 19 level this term, while attacking midfielder Jack Bridge is another who has bright future in the game.

Below them, the current under 18 side also showed their talent when beating Barnet to reach the third round of the FA Youth Cup last Thursday.

And it remains imperative for a club like Blues, with financial constraints, to bring through their own players.

They need to backed up by those around them and that has been the case in the Shrimpers’ last three league games.

In truth, the teams coming up against them have been short of quality but they still needed to be dismissed and that is exactly what the Shrimpers were able to do.

That has moved them back up to fifth in the League Two standings and has given Blues a firm base to build upon as they look to remain in the race for promotion.

For that to happen, their best players need to be available and they will therefore be sweating on the fitness of Ryan Leonard who picked up a groin injury at Prenton Park.

With Gary Deegan also facing an uncertain future at the club, the Shrimpers will not want to be without two imposing midfielders in the next few weeks, even though they are exceptionally strong in that area.

But, for now, the main concern remains in attack and Blues should have won by a far greater margin against Tranmere.

A whole host of chances went begging and made for an unnecessarily nervous conclusion to the game.

Southend will therefore be looking to improve in that area and will soon be boosted by the return of Lee Barnard who has rediscovered his scoring touch while on loan at Stevenage.

Boss Phil Brown also remains keen on signing Northampton Town’s John-Joe O’Toole.

However, those already at the club will want to show they have what it takes to continue the winning run.

And that will most certainly include those coming through the youth system who could yet have the biggest say of all.