SECOND-HALF strikes from John White and David Mooney secured Southend United a terrific 2-0 win at local rivals Colchester this afternoon.

The former U’s duo both worked their way onto the score-sheet to ensure the Shrimpers edged the first Essex derby since 2010.

And that made it a perfect belated Christmas present for Blues’ travelling contingent of more than 2,200 fans.

But, despite the final score-line, it was Colchester who started strongly in Kevin Keen’s first game in charge of the club.

With six minutes on the clock experienced U’s midfielder Darren Ambrose sliced a left footed shot wide of the left post after some impressive build up play.

Moments later the home-side created another chance with Chris Porter charging through, only for Blues shot-stopper Daniel Bentley to bravely dive at the feet of the striker to stop him in his tracks.

Having survived the scares, Blues soon hit back with Mooney seeing a deflected 20 yard shot tipped over the crossbar by U’s goalkeeper Elliott Parish.

But Colchester immediately replied with George Moncur having a powerful low, 25 yard shot well saved to his right hand by Bentley before the former West Ham United midfielder wasted a fine chance to score just moments later as he fired straight at Bentley from 10 yards.

Following the wasted opportunity, the Shrimpers began to get more into the game with Mooney failing to make a clean connection with the ball just six yards out.

And Mooney then wasted an even better chance to score right on the stroke of half-time when he fired a close range effort across the face of goal after being teed up by Noel Hunt.

But, just four minutes after the break, Blues went in front, with Southend skipper White netting against his former team.

The right-back, who made more than 220 appearances while with the U’s during a 16 year spell, latched onto a loose ball 20 yards from goal and sent a low, left footed volley into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

White initially opted to remain calm after scoring but the effort sparked some wild celebrations from the 2,268 travelling Blues fans behind the goal.

Moments later the Shrimpers thought they had doubled their lead when Payne teed up Mooney to curl home a fine finish, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

But Mooney was not to be denied for long and he put Phil Brown’s side 2-0 ahead with a superbly taken effort in the 73rd minute.

Mooney, who also spent time on loan with Colchester, was sent through on goal by Hunt and deceived the advancing Parish with a dummied shot before advancing to tap the ball into a gaping goal.

Five minutes later Blues made their first change of the game with Stephen McLaughlin replacing Hunt before Joe Pigott came on for Payne in the 82nd minute.

A third substitution soon followed with Glen Rea coming on for Mooney but Southend were able to see out the closing stages with Bentley doing well to deny both Drey Wright and Elokobi.