SOUTHEND United’s under 18s continued their pre-season preparations with a 4-3 win at Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.

Lewis Gard, Sewa Marah, Joe Mackenize and Elvis Bwomono put the Shrimpers 4-0 up before the Seagulls hit back late on.

And Blues' youth team coach Dave Huzzey remains pleased with how the youngsters are shaping up ahead of the new season which starts next weekend.

"Pre-season has been going well and I was pleased with this performance," said Huzzey.

"We were 4-0 up after about 60 minutes before the game became disjointed and Brighton got back into it.

"It was tough and go at the end a little bit but we held on and it was another really good test."

The victory came after Blues had beaten Watford 5-2 on Saturday.

And Huzzey has been encouraged by the new look Shrimpers side who headed to a training camp in Peterborough before beginning their friendlies.

"The week in Peterborough was excellent and we tried out a few new things which worked well," said Huzzey.

"We had them up running at 5am on certain days and sprung a match on them as a surprise just to freshen things up.

"We took a lot from it and we definitely have a very together team now which is something you always want.

"There is still plenty to be worked on but we're happy with where we're at at the moment and hope to have another good season with this talented group."

Southend's youngsters - who started their friendlies with a 2-1 defeat against Millwall - complete their pre-season schedule against a college side this weekend.

Blues then start their league campaign at home to AFC Wimbledon the following Saturday.