SOUTHEND United withstood a late Barnet fightback to extend their unbeaten run to six games with a 3-2 win against the Bees.

Goals from Dru Yearwood, Damani Dias and Eren Kinali saw the Shrimpers race into a 3-0 lead before Barnet netted twice in the final three minutes.

However, Blues hung on to secure another victory which their head of youth Ricky Duncan felt was fully deserved.

“We lost our way at the end a little bit but we worthy winners and it was another good performance,” said Duncan.

“We’re six unbeaten now and five of them have been wins so the reaction to the FA Youth Cup defeat against Leyton Orient has been spot on.

“Dave Huzzey (youth coach) has told me how hard the group is working in training and they are getting the rewards for that now which is great to see.”

And Duncan was also full of praise for the Shrimpers’ industrious striker Kinali who was again among the goalscorers.

“A special mention has to go to Eren who has come into the team just recently,” said Duncan.

“His work ethic is fantastic and he’s really working his socks off for the team up there.

“He still needs to improve technically - which will come - but he’s got himself a couple of goals now and it’s been good to see.”

The Shrimpers opened the scoring after just eight minutes when Alex Clark sped down the left flank and delivered a cross which was fired home by Yearwood from 12 yards out.

Blues doubled their lead in the 31st minute when Taylor Curran helped the ball into the path of Dias who confidently netted from inside the penalty area.

Southend remained on top and extended their lead just before the hour mark when Dias chipped a delightful pass in behind the Barnet defence for Kinali to latch onto.

The first-year scholar sprung the offside trap down the right-hand side and proceeded to smash a devilishly-dipping half-volley over the goalkeeper and into the top left-hand corner of the net for his fourth goal of the season.

However, Barnet got back into the game with a scuffed shot in the 87th minute before they netted again in stoppage time.

But Blues hung on to triumph.

Southend: Bishop, Bwomono, Clifford, Musselwhite, Mackenzie, Curran, Gard (Cuthbert 76), Yearwood, Kinali (Acquah 64), Dias, Clark