TYRONE Barnett bagged a brace as Southend United surged to a 3-0 win against Coventry City at Roots Hall this afternoon.

Barnett’s double came after Jack Payne had fired the Shrimpers in front.

And Phil Brown’s side were able to get back to winning ways despite playing the final 39 minutes of the match with 10 men after Gary Deegan was dismissed.

Southend, who had failed to triumph in their previous four games, started positively with Payne firing a 20 yard shot straight at City goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook.

But the visitors soon hit back and, with 15 minutes on the clock, they came even closer to taking the lead when Jim O’Brien’s long range shot was tipped onto the top of the crossbar by Blues goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

City also threatened from the resulting Stephen Hunt corner which Romain Vincelot headed wide of the left post from six yards.

However, after the surviving the scares, the Shrimpers replied and opened the scoring in the 24th minute, with Payne on target for the fourth time this season.

The attacking midfielder latched onto a loose ball after Stephen Hendrie had charged down Sam Ricketts’ attempted clearance and, after advancing forward, he drilled a low, left footed shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net from 16 yards.

Coventry pushed for an instant equaliser and only a last ditch challenge from Luke O’Neill stopped Stephen Hunt finding one.

But, Blues stood firm and, with 31 minutes on the clock, they doubled their lead with Barnett scoring for the second time in three games.

The on loan Shrewsbury Town striker was picked out by a fine through ball from Hendrie before confidently firing a low, left footed shot into the back of the North Bank net.

Moments later, Payne came close to adding a third when his deflected 20 yard bobbled inches wide of the right post.

But, with play soon switching back to the other end of the field, Coventry then also came close to scoring as O’Brien’s well struck long range shot was tipped wide of the right post by Bentley.

Marcus Tudgay then saw an effort ruled out for a clear foul on Bentley to ensure Blues’ two goal lead at the break.

However, six minutes into the second half, Southend’s hopes of a victory were hit by a needless red card to Deegan.

The midfielder, who was booked in the first half for a foul on Joe Cole, chopped down James Maddison and was immediately shown a second yellow card by referee Brendan Malone.

Blues reorganised with Michael Timlin coming on for Payne and almost extended their lead with a close range volley from Hendrie which was parried to safety by Charles-Cook.

Coventry soon replied and, looking to make the most of their extra man, they came close to halving Southend’s lead when substitute Maddison curled a 25 yard shot inches wide of the right post.

But Blues stood firm and extended their advantage in the 68th minute, with Barnett firing home from the penalty spot.

The impressive striker started the move by sending Will Atkinson through on goal but the midfielder was brought down by Charles-Cook when he seemed set to score.

Charles-Cook was booked for the challenge, much to the annoyance of the Shrimpers who felt he should have been sent off.

However, Barnett was able to exert his own punishment as he thundered the penalty into the roof of the net.

Barnett then made way for Hunt 15 minutes from time before Sam McQueen was handed his debut in place of Atkinson late on as Blues defended well to keep a second successive clean sheet.