SOUTHEND United coach Dave Huzzey heaped praise on his young side after they impressed in a 4-2 win at Charlton Athletic.

Jon Benton bagged a brace and was joined on the score-sheet by Yonis Farah and Matt Rush in a dominant display from Blues’ under-18s team.

And Huzzey was full of smiles at the final whistle.

“Pre-season isn’t about results but this was still a really good win and the performance was excellent too,” said Huzzey.

“We play Charlton every pre-season and on a few occasions we’ve been on the wrong end of a few high scorelines.

“It’s quite often the hardest game we have in pre-season because they are a strong category two team but this time we were better than them and we’re really pleased with the way everything has been going.”

The Shrimpers’ youth side have been continuing their preparations for the forthcoming campaign by training at the Five Lakes resort in Colchester this week.

And Huzzey is also happy with how things are coming together off the pitch.

“This is one of the most tight-knit groups we’ve had,” said Huzzey.

“Because quite a few of them have been here for a while already they know all about the club and they’re really bonding together as a team as well, which is great to see.

“Going away has helped and we’re in good shape now as we get nearer to the start of the season.

“We get underway against Northampton the same day as the first team start and I think everyone is looking forward to it already, if I’m honest.”

The Shrimpers - who face Watford this weekend - trailed twice against Charlton but Benton equalised with a simply stunning strike midway through the first half before Farah’s fortunate finish brought the visitors level again shortly after half-time.

First-year scholars Benton and Rush then netted either side of the hour mark to hand Huzzey’s side a fine victory.

Southend United U18s: Seaden (Bishop 46), Hutchings (Humphreys 59), Farah (Osimeh 63), Knock (Stewart 35), Curran, Pianim (Mitchell-Nelson 59), Kinali (Egbri 72), Benton (Cuthbert 59), Acquah (Marah 63), Rush (Hawkes 63), Egbri (Eastwood 59).