SOUTHEND United made it three wins in succession, beating Exeter City 2-0 at St James Park this afternoon.

Goals from Cauley Woodrow and Kevan Hurst saw the Shrimpers move up in to the play-off places.

And the triumph was also their first in Exeter since 1999.

Despite the final score-line, Exeter were initially on top and, with 11 minutes on the clock, the home-side created their first chance of the game when striker Matt Jay sent a low 12 yard volley straight at Southend goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

Moments later, Bentley also smothered a header from Matt Grimes before Blues broke the deadlock in the 12th minute of the match with Woodrow bagging his first goal in the Football League.

The on Fulham forward was picked out by a fantastic right wing cross from John White and made no mistake with an assured close range finish.

Southend could then have doubled their lead when Ben Coker’s right wing corner was headed over at the near post by Luke Prosser before Woodrow’s low volley from Michael Timlin’s chipped ball forward was tipped wide of the left post by Artur Krysiak.

But Blues did not have to wait long for their second goal as Hurst extended their advantage in the 29th minute.

Anthony Straker was the provider as his left wing cross was headed in to the path of Hurst by Grecians centre-back Danny Cole and the winger’s well struck took a slight deflection on its way past Krysiak and in to the back of the net.

With Southend remaining on top, Ryan Leonard then had a long range effort kept out by Krysiak in the final action of the first half.

After the break, Exeter almost got back in to the game when Sam Parkin headed Matt Jay’s left wing cross inches wide of the right post.

However, the Shrimpers were soon back on the front foot with Anthony Straker doing well to pick out Woodrow inside the penalty area but his goalbound effort was blocked by Exeter skipper Danny Coles.

Southend soon broke again down their left hand side with Ben Coker picking out Michael Timlin but the midfielder was unable to make a clean connection with his shot.

Exeter immediately replied with substitute Tom Nichols having a powerful shot smothered by Bentley at the second attempt.

The Shrimpers soon responded by making their first substitution of the afternoon with Barry Corr coming on to replace Woodrow.

And Corr was soon picked out by Straker’s chipped left wing cross but the Irishman could only send a tame volley straight at Krysiak.

Blues then made their second change of the game in the 77th minute when Marc Laird came on for Hurst in midfield before Mark Phillips replaced Straker in the closing stages of another successful game for Phil Brown’s side.