Southend United’s under-18s moved to the top of the EFL Youth Alliance Merit League One table with a 3-1 victory over Northampton Town.

In a match that contained four penalties, O’Shane Stewart and Matt Rush both converted from 12 yards for the teenage Shrimpers while Haydn Price scored one and missed one for the visitors.

Price’s skied spot-kick proved crucial to the final result as Rush stabbed home from close range to secure the three points for Dave Huzzey’s side.

Blues broke the deadlock when a lofted pass over the top of the Northampton backline invited Rush to chase.

He was brought down as he tried to seize upon the hesitation between Jay Williams and goalkeeper Lewi Patching.

The referee pointed to the spot and, after Sam Knock’s successful 12 yarder last weekend, this time Stewart stepped up to drive home the penalty.

Having starved their opponents of a sight of goal, Blues doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark.

Again, a ball over the top turned the visiting defence around and Rush chased it down, drawing a foul from Williams as he entered the penalty area.

Rush brushed himself down to stroke home the spot-kick and score for the first time since returning from his work experience loan at Great Wakering Rovers.

The Cobblers hit back six minutes before the break with Price netting from the spot but he failed with a second spot-kick.

The relieved Shrimpers hit back and made sure of their win in the 84th minute when Rush tapped home after Oli Coker’s shot had been parried out by Patching.

Blues U18s: Seaden, Chandler, Biler, Brogan, Knock (Mitchell-Nelson 62), Osimeh, Egbri, Stewart (Coker 55), Rush, Eastwood, Unwin (Mpenga 86). Subs not used: Taylor & Vaivada