SOUTHEND United staged a second half fightback to win 3-2 in their first pre season friendly of the summer at Great Wakering Rovers this afternoon.

A first half brace from Wakering striker Gary Paterson gave the Essex Senior League side a two goal cushion at the break.

But Blues hit back in the second 45 minutes as goals from Cleveland Taylor, Ryan Auger and Freddy Eastwood handed them a narrow triumph.

Wakering were initially on top however and went in front after just six minutes with Paterson on target.

The 24-year-old, who has only just joined Rovers from Southend Manor, grew up supporting the Shrimpers and was clearly delighted to drill a low 25 yard shot in to the bottom right hand corner of the net with his left foot.

Blues, who fielded a different line-up in each half, hit back with Ryan Cresswell heading a Ben Coker corner against the right post before Kevan Hurst sent a left footed shot against the top of the crossbar.

The lively Jack Payne soon had a well struck shot parried to safety by Wakering goalkeeper Adam Seal but the hosts immediately made the most of the let off by doubling their lead in the 28th minute of the match.

Paterson was again the scorer as he drilled a fine 14 yard shot across Daniel Bentley and in to the left hand side of the goal.

But the Shrimpers got themselves back in to the game straight after half-time when trailist Taylor, who is best remembered for his spell with Scunthorpe United, fired home from the edge of the penalty area.

Wakering should then have been awarded a penalty when Southend centre-back Mark Phillips seemed to handle the ball inside the area.

And that was to prove costly for the home-side as Blues drew back level in the 81st minute Auger cut in off the right flank and unleased a tame left footed shot which somehow deceived Louis Godwin-Green in Wakering’s goal.

The Shrimpers then completed their comeback in the last minute when Eastwood drove home a powerful shot from 14 yards.

Southend United First Half: Bentley, White, Cresswell, Prosser, Coker, Hurst, Payne, Laird, Straker, Hemmings, Erskine

Southend United Second Half: T Smith, Auger, Phillips, Barker, Bruno, Taylor, Silva, Leonard, Trialist, Eastwood, Corr