DAN Walker made it seven goals in three games with a well taken brace in Southend United’s under 18 side’s 2-1 win against AFC Wimbledon at Boots & Laces on Saturday.

Walker fired home a goal in each half as the Shrimpers maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a fifth successive victory.

And Blues boss Ricky Duncan has been left delighted by Walker’s prolific form just months after a knee injury left the Southend based youngster doubting his future in the game.

“We lost Dan to a knee injury for six or seven months last season and at one point he was so down he was thinking about giving up,” said Duncan.

“I sat down with him before we played Luton last season and we agreed he would play in that one.

“He ended up scoring and he hasn’t looked back since. He has really grafted for it and it’s great to see because he’s a great lad too.

“He only lives round the corner to he’s very local and he has a really nice family behind him as well which has certainly helped.

“And maybe the injury has given him even more of an appetite for the game because, including a hat-trick in a friendly at Sawbridgeworth, he now has seven goals in three games which is some going.”

Table topping Blues went close to breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute when left-back Tom Clifford curled a 25 yard free-kick against the underside of the crossbar.

Moments later, Walker saw an effort ruled out for offside but, in the 24th minute, the striker put the Shrimpers in front when he controlled a long ball forward before dribbling around the goalkeeper and firing home.

The Dons hit back with two efforts crashing against the woodwork in quick succession.

But, having survived the scares, Southend doubled their lead with a well worked goal in the 50th minute.

Harry Phillips began with the move with a fine pass down the left flank which enabled Renei Batlokwa to charge into the box before rolling the ball back into the path of Walker who fired home an emphatic finish.

Wimbledon replied nine minutes later with an effort of their own but Blues held out to secure yet another victory.

However, boss Duncan was keen to play down the successful start to the season.

“The boys are keeping their feet on the ground but these results mean nothing unless we get one or two through to the first team squad,” said Duncan.

“And, with that in mind, the highlight of the week for us all was Ted Smith receiving another call up for England.”

Southend United U18s: Bexon, Bwomono, Clifford, Bedford, MacKenzie, Salami, Gard (Musselwhite 86),Batlokwa, Walker, Phillips (Dias 68), Clark.

Subs not used: Macree, Matthews & Ripsher