FREDDY Eastwood’s penalty secured Southend United’s under-18 side a hard-fought 2-1 win at Peterborough United.

Eastwood’s second half spot-kick made it back-to-back victories for Blues’ youngsters in the EFL Youth Alliance Merit League One.

And Shrimpers coach Dave Huzzey was pleased with the varying aspects of his side’s display.

“It was a really good first half performance from us,” said Huzzey.

“We went 1-0 up and just after half-time we got a penalty to make it 2-0.

“Peterborough came back into the game and got a goal around the hour mark.

“For the last 20 minutes or so we were really holding on but the boys showed great character and resilience not to concede and to get the victory.”

Winger Bobby Unwin fired the Shrimpers in front with a well-taken effort.

And Huzzey was also delighted to provide more of the club’s up-and-coming youngsters with an opportunity to play under-18 football.

“We had three schoolboys starting which was excellent and everyone put in a real shift which was great to see,” said Huzzey.

“It was a disciplined performance away from home against a good team.

“They finished second in our league and beat us twice as well so it was good to go there and put in a performance like we did to get the win.”

The victory came after the Shrimpers had fought back to beat Bournemouth 3-1 in their opening Merit League fixture.

The young Blues will now be looking to make it three victories in a row when they host Exeter City at Boots & Laces this weekend.