SOUTHEND United’s under 21 team ran riot against Cheltenham Town this afternoon, securing a 6-2 win at their Boots & Laces base.

Talented midfielder Harry Phillips and striker Dan Walker both scored twice while Nico Cotton and Norman Wabo were also on target in a performance which eventually pleased their coach Kevin Maher.

“In the first half we had some good play but also some bits which needed working on which, to be fair, the boys did in the second half,” said Maher.

Echo:

Levelling the scores - Nico Cotton equalises for the Shrimpers

“We earned the right to play at the end and how hard the teams worked is the most pleasing aspect.

“We conceded a couple of sloppy goals but I think we’re always going to be quite open because we have so many attacking players on the pitch.

“But some of the play was very good and so was the tempo so overall I’m very pleased.”

Despite the final score-line, it was Cheltenham who opened the scoring through Jacob Nutting before Blues equalised with a powerful effort from Cotton.

Echo:

Heading home - Dan Walker makes it 3-2 to Blues

Phillips put the Shrimpers 2-1 in front when he fired home the rebound after having a penalty saved by Ross Grimshaw but the visitors hit back as Joe Hance netted just before the break.

However, Blues dominated the second half with Walker heading home to make it 3-2 before Phillips netted an excellent free-kick from 25 yards.

Wabo and Walker then completed the scoring with clinical efforts from close range.

Blues: Bexon, Bwomono, Salami, Matsuzaka, Coutts, Wabo (Acquah), Bridge, Bedford, Cotton (Batlokwa), Phillips, Walker

>The Shrimpers had been expected to field David Mooney, Frank Nouble, Luke O'Neill and Zavon Hines but altered their starting line-up when informed how young the Cheltenham Town team would be.