SOUTHEND United’s under-18 side secured second spot in the Football League Youth Alliance South East Conference after beating Cambridge United 2-0 at Boots & Laces.

Goals from Dan Walker and Renei Batlokwa saw Blues end a four-match winless streak.

And Shrimpers’ youth team chief Ricky Duncan was happy with how his side dealt with a difficult surface.

“It was a tough pitch to play on but both teams had a real go and it was good to get the win,” said Duncan.

“It made sure of second place for us and it was a really good day all round.

“The under-16s won, Jack Bridge and Jason Williams both did well on their first games back at Chelmsford and the first team got a great result too with Jack Payne among the goalscorers so we were all really happy.”

Saturday’s game was slow to get going but began to open up midway through the first with Damani Dias heading over a Harry Phillips’ free-kick.

Walker was then brilliantly tackled by Cambridge defender Frankie Jones when he seemed set to score before Joe Bedford’s long range shot scraped the post.

But Blues finally went in front in the 62nd minute, with Walker bagging his 16th competitive goal of the season.

The powerful forward held off the attentions of a nearby defender to bring down a long Josh Bexon goalkick before firing past Cambridge goalkeeper James Macree, who is currently with the U’s on loan from Southend.

The Shrimpers then sealed their win in the 89th minute when Batlokwa beat his man before calmly stroking the ball underneath Macree to score.

Blues will now complete their Youth Alliance League season at home to MK Dons this afternoon before starting their Merit League campaign in which the top seven teams in the South East section join the top five from the South West.

Southend United U18s: Bexon, Bwomono, Clifford, Ripsher, Mackenzie, Salami, Bedford (Gard 77), Dias (Hirst 82), Walker, Batlokwa, Phillips.

Subs not used: Bishop, Musselwhite & Wabo.