GOALS from David Mooney and debutant Harry Kyprianou saw Southend United start their Checkatrade Trophy campaign with a 2-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion’s under 23 team tonight.

Controversial new rules for the competition – which allowed Premier League and Championship clubs to play their young teams – saw just 1,275 fans at Roots Hall.

But those in attendance witnessed Blues getting back to winning ways after suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Fleetwood Town.

Shrimpers boss Phil Brown made seven changes to his starting line-up and, after a quiet start to the game, his new look team came close to scoring when John White’s right wing cross teed up Mooney who stabbed an effort wide of the right post.

But, after surviving the scare, Brighton hit back and threatened to break the deadlock when Will Collar caught Jakub Sokolik in possession to send Joe Ward clean through on goal.

However, the former Chelmsford City winger was bravely denied by Blues goalkeeper Ted Smith who dived at Ward’s feet to stop him scoring.

In reply, the Shrimpers’ left wing-back Kyprianou – who joined Southend from Watford in September 2015 – headed just wide of the right post.

But, with 34 minutes on the clock, Southend went in front, with Mooney on target for the first time this season.

The Blues’ striker was picked out by an excellent ball through from Ryan Leonard and netted with a firm, accurate finish past Seagulls goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Three minutes after the break, Southend doubled their lead with debutant Kyprianou on target.

The highly rated youngster latched onto a partially cleared left wing cross inside the penalty area and unleashed a left footed half volley which took a deflection before nestling in the left hand side of the South Stand net.

Moments later, Will Atkinson sped through and saw an effort deflected over the crossbar before Atkinson created a fantastic opportunity for Simon Cox, only for the striker to see his powerful shot blocked by Sanchez.

Immediately after the wasted opportunity, Blues made their first substitution of the evening as Jordan Alawode-Williams was handed his debut in place of Anton Ferdinand.

However, Brighton soon came close to getting back into the game when substitute Ben Barclay headed against the top of the crossbar.

But, after that, Blues comfortably saw out the closing stages and also handed young centre-back Dan Matsuzaka his first team debut two minutes from time as he replaced Sokolik at the heart of the defence.