SOUTHEND United's under 23 coach Craig Fagan felt the Shrimpers fully deserved their 'horrible' 2-0 win against Leyton Orient this afternoon. 

First half goals from Emile Acquah and Matt Rush saw Blues triumph in the Central League Cup at Boots & Laces.

And Fagan - who included the fit-again Sam Mantom in his starting line-up - thought the Shrimpers were the better side.

"It wasn’t a beautiful game but were the better team at playing horrible," said Fagan.

"We get the ball forward, we played in the right areas and I thought we deserved to win the game.

"It wasn’t a pretty game but we did well in the spells we had."

In-form strikers Acquah and Rush were again both among the goals.

But Fagan felt the forwards were not at their best.

"The strikers probably didn’t have their best games but they’ve both scored," said Fagan.

"Emile was still a handful though and Rushy gets goals so they've contributed again."

And Fagan was also pleased to see youth-teamers Cameron Brown and Tommy Lambourne make their under 23 debuts as second half substitutes.

"I think it's important," said Fagan.

"I was going to wait a bit longer but these kids need to gets games and the experience.

"It’s about them developing and playing 20 minutes of under 23s football is only going to help them when they go back and play in the under 18s.

"Where possible I’ll always try and get the under 18s involved but they have to be ready."

Blues took an early lead against the O's with Acquah firing home a clinical finish after just four minutes.

Moments later, Acquah saw a header from Rob Howard's right wing cross saved by O's goalkeeper Arther Jawada before the Shrimpers doubled their tally in the 42nd minute with Rush sending a penalty into the left hand side of the net for his 21st goal of the season.

The spot-kick was harshly awarded for a challenge on Acquah and sealed victory for Blues who comfortably held on during an uneventful second half.

First team defender Jason Demetriou played the full game at the heart of the back four while midfielder Mantom played 68 minutes on his return from a hamstring problem.

Blues: Taylor, Howard, Demetriou, Lennon (Mitchell-Nelson 62), Osimeh, Egbri, Burnett (Brown 83), Mantom (Stewart 68), Kinali, Rush, Acquah (Lambourne 77).