SOUTHEND United’s under 18 side moved to the top of the EFL Youth Alliance Merit League One table following a 2-1 win against Bristol Rovers.

The triumph followed hot on the heels of the Shrimpers’ 3-1 victory against Swindon Town and pleased youth team coach Dave Huzzey.

“It was another very good win for us,” said Huzzey.

“On Saturday we had to put a lot into winning the game at Swindon in very difficult conditions so to put in another good performance like we did was very encouraging.

“We also fought back from a goal down and could have won by more.

“We missed a penalty and hit the woodwork a few times but it was good to get another win and we want to keep this good run we’re on going now.”

In a game switched to the Len Forge Centre due to the weather, Blues went behind after just five minutes when James Spruce gave the visitors the lead with a smartly taken penalty following a foul by Miles Mitchell-Nelson.

Zak Pianim and Eren Kinali soon came close to netting an equaliser for the Shrimpers before the hosts wasted a golden opportunity to equalise when Sam Knock was brought down in the box by Tom Mehew.

However, Kinali’s spot-kick was saved by Rovers’ goalkeeper Graeme Anderson before the ball was scrambled to safety.

And the Pirates come close to making the most of the let-off when they struck the woodwork twice inside a minute.

But, after surviving the scares, the Shrimpers hit back to equalise on the stroke of half-time when Sewa Marah rolled home a neat finish and, four minutes into the second half, the hosts took the lead when Matt Rush netted after Terrell Egbri’s effort had been well saved.

And that ultimately proved to be the game’s decisive goal despite an eventful end to the afternoon.

Blues will now be looking to make it three wins in a row when they host Cambridge United this weekend.

Southend United U18s: Seaden, Humphreys, Howard, Pianim, Mitchell-Nelson, Knock, Kinali (Stewart 84), Benton, Rush, Marah, Egbri.

Substitutes not used: Taylor, Osimeh, Curran & Eastwood.