A TRIO of first half strikes saw Southend United cruise to a 3-0 win against Southampton’s under 21 team in the Checkatrade Trophy at Roots Hall tonight.

Harry Bunn, Harry Kyprianou and Elvis Bwomono were all on target as Blues comfortably made it through to the knock-out stages of the competition.

Shrimpers boss Chris Powell made eight changes to his starting line-up for the game which was watched by just 983 fans.

And the new look Blues broke the deadlock in the 12th minute, with Bunn on target for the third time this season.

The on loan Bury man reacted sharply after Saints goalkeeper Harry Lewis dropped Dru Yearwood’s right wing cross and stabbed the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

Moments later, Shawn McCoulsky battled his way into his left hand side of the penalty area, only to see his low shot saved by Lewis.

But the Shrimpers did not have long to wait for a second goal as Chris Powell’s side doubled their lead in the 17th minute when Michael Kightly’s left wing corner dropped to Stephen McLaughlin who sent a low effort crashing against the inside of the left post.

However, Kyprianou – who was making just his second start of the season – reacted quickest to the rebound and fired home from close range.

Blues remained on top and increased their lead in the 24th minute, with Bwomono scoring his first senior goal for the club.

The right-back charged forward and sent a low, 20 yard shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

In reply, Southampton’s Will Smallbone soon saw a long range free-kick well held by Shrimpers goalkeeper Nathan Bishop before Saints Jonathan Afolabi sliced wide when presented with an excellent opportunity to score at the start of the second half.

But Blues were soon back on top and, in the 65th minute, Kightly’s header from Bwomono’s right wing cross was well saved low down to his left by Lewis.

However, the second half was far less eventful than first with less goalscoring chances being created.

Blues boss Powell made his first change of the night in the 73rd minute with Timothee Dieng replacing Luke Hyam who was making his first start since suffering an ankle injury in August.

Six minutes after the alteration, Shawn McCoulsky headed over from close range before the Shrimpers made a second change, eight minutes from time, with Jason Demetriou replacing captain Dru Yearwood.

A third change soon followed with 17-year-old Charlie Kelman being handed his first team debut in place of Bunn.

And the promising youngster helped Blues comfortably see out the closing stages to secure their place in Friday's draw for the next round where they will be playing away from home having finished the group in second place.