JASON Williams bagged a brace as Southend United’s under 21 team triumphed 2-1 at Ipswich Town this afternoon.

Williams - who has made six substitute appearances for the first team so far this season - netted two well taken efforts against the Tractor Boys.

And Blues’ under 21 coach Kevin Maher was full of praise for the striker’s performance.

“Jason did really well and he deserved the goals for how hard he worked up there,” said Maher.

“The first goal was a well-taken volley and the second one was a real poacher’s effort so he did well and so did the team.

“We showed good character to come back from a goal behind to win the game and I think we deserved it in the end as well.

“Ipswich had quite a strong side out so it was a good win too.”

The victory also continued the feel good factor among the Shrimpers’ academy.

And Maher was delighted to see Harry Kyprianou, Dan Matsuzaka and Jordan Williams all make their first team debuts in Tuesday night’s 2-0 win against Brighton and Hove Albion’s under 23 win in the Checkatrade Trophy.

“It was fantastic for all three of them to make their debuts,” said Maher.

“Harry scored and played the full 90 minutes and the other two got on towards the end and they all deserve it because they have great attitudes.

“They all put the effort and the hours in and are always ones who stay behind after training to do extra work.”

And Maher felt the first team call-ups had also shown what was needed to be noticed by Blues boss Phil Brown.

“All the lads will have been boosted by seeing them make their debuts and will be inspired to try and do the same,” said Maher.

“But they know they must work extremely hard for it to happen.”

Southend United: Bexon, Bwomono, Salami, Matsuzaka, Clifford, Bedford, Bridge, Phillips, Watt, Wabo, Williams