JAMAR Loza fired a timely reminder to Southend United manager Phil Brown by bagging a brace in the Shrimpers’ under 21s’ 2-1 win at Swindon Town this afternoon. 

Loza’s goals secured the Final Third Development League South Cup for Blues.

And, with Brown watching on from the stands at the County Ground, Loza’s efforts would also have boosted his chances of earning a permanent deal with Southend.

“Jamar causes problems with his pace and he took both of his goals really well,” said the Blues boss.

“We get pictures from players all the time and we got more from a few of them here.

“It’s not time to be talking about players and new contracts because we still have two games left and one in the under 21s as well so decisions have yet to be made.

“But this was a very pleasing result and it’s good to win any kind of cup so it’s great for Kev Maher and all of the boys involved.

Blues opted to start with a quartet of senior players with Luke O’Neill, Kevan Hurst, Franck Moussa and Loza all being selected.

And Brown was delighted by the attitude they showed.

“It was great to see the way they approached the game and Kevan was a breath of fresh air in a central midfield role.

“There were lots of positives to come out of it and it was a good game with both sides playing a few senior players.

“We fully deserved the victory though and I think we should probably have won by more as well.”

Loza, who is with Blues on loan from Norwich City, broke the deadlock with a fine finish in the 37th minute before the Robins almost levelled when Jermaine Hylton fired against the post.

But, after the break, Loza netted his second of the afternoon with an excellent effort at the near post.

Moments later, Jason Williams fired inches over before substitute Harry Phillips saw an effort ruled out for offside.

Williams was then denied by an excellent save from Will Henry and the wasted opportunities almost came back to haunt Blues when Hylton fired home in stoppage time.

However, the Shrimpers were able to hang on to secure the silverware.

Southend United: Bexon, O’Neill, Jordan Williams, Salami, Kyprianou, Moussa (Norman 90), Hurst, Bridge, Cotton (Phillips 74), Bridge, Jason Williams

Subs not used: P Smith & Mackenzie