SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown was happy to get smiles back on the Shrimpers’ faces with victory against Brighton & Hove Albion’s under 23 side tonight.

Goals from David Mooney and Harry Kyprianou saw the Shrimpers triumph 2-0 at Roots Hall in the Checkatrade Trophy.

And Brown was delighted to get back to winning ways after Saturday’s disappointing defeat to Fleetwood Town.

“I’m pleased with the overall shape of the team and the performance,” said the Blues boss.

“We did a lot with and without the ball and it’s good to see smiles back on people’s faces too.

“The game reminded me of the pre-season friendly we had with Newcastle and it was good to see our young players we took a chance on doing so well.”

One of those – former Watford defender Kyprianou – bagged the Shrimpers’ second goal against the Seagulls.

And Brown was also pleased for young goalkeeper Ted Smith who kept a clean sheet on his first start of the season.

Ted Smith has got a clean sheet and it’s now a possibility he’ll keep the shirt for Saturday against Bolton,” said Brown, “Harry also took his opportunity which is great and I’m pleased for David Mooney too.

“It was just a shame Simon Cox didn’t get one.

“They’ve had a lot of criticism in the last few games but I take the blame for that.”

At the other end of the field, centre-back Anton Ferdinand was handed his Shrimpers debut and ended up playing for longer than expected.

“Anton was only supposed to play 45 minutes but he got 65 in the end,” said Brown.

“That’s another massive plus for us.”