NORMAN Wabo bagged a brace to fire Southend United’s under 18 side to a 2-0 win against Stevenage on Saturday.

The striker scored in each half to make it two wins from two for the Shrimpers.

And youth team chief Ricky Duncan was delighted by the display.

“I was really pleased by how we played and how we stood up to Stevenage as well,” said Duncan.

“Last season we found it difficult against them losing 3-1 and drawing 1-1 because they’re a very hard working, physical side.

“But this time we coped well and we eventually earned the right to play some good football which was pleasing to see.”

Blues’ fine play also resulted in Wabo scoring his first two goals of the new season.

And Duncan was full of praise for the forward.

“I think Norman is taking his finishing a bit more seriously in training now and he took both his goals well,” said the Blues boss.

“I thought the first one was offside but he did what he had to do and we’re pleased with how he’s doing at the moment.”

Wabo put the Shrimpers in front after just 14 minutes after some fine approach play from Joe Bedford.

The midfield charged down the right flank before delivering a tremendous swinging pass which Wabo was able to convert.

Blues came close to doubling their lead six minutes later when Harry Phillips curled a free-kick against the crossbar.

Phillips was then thwarted by the woodwork for a second time five minutes before the break when he smashed a shot against the angle of right-hand post and bar from a Wabo pass.

However, in the 69th minute, the Shrimpers did double their lead when Alex Clark’s free kick was headed down by Abdul Salami, enabling Wabo to smash into the roof of the net to secure all three points for his side.

Southend will now be looking to make it three wins in a row when they face Leyton Orient at Boots & Laces this afternoon, kick off 2pm.

Southend United U18s: Bexon, Bwomono, Clifford, Bedford, MacKenzie, Salami, Gard, Batlokwa, Wabo (Dias 90), Phillips, Clark (Walker 77)

Subs not used: Macree, Matthews & Musselwhite