SOUTHEND United kicked off their pre-season schedule with a 4-0 win at Kings Langley this afternoon.
Sam Dalby put the Shrimpers in front against their Southern League Premier South hosts before second half strikes from Jon Benton, Dan Mooney and Callum Powell completed the victory for Kevin Maher’s side.
Blues fielded a different 11 in each half and pushed forward early on with promising midfielder Oli Coker sending a long range effort over the crossbar.
Moments later, Jack Bridge forced the home-side’s goalkeeper into a good save before Jason Demetriou and Dalby sent efforts wide of the target.
However, the Shrimpers continued to attack and broke the deadlock just before the break when Jack Wood – who skippered Southend on his return to his former team – sending Dalby through on goal.
Last season’s top scorer then dinked the advancing goalkeeper to put Blues in front.
The Shrimpers made 11 changes at the break, with four of their five summer signings coming on to the pitch.
But it was the up and coming Benton who caught the eye first as he doubled Southend’s lead with a brilliant long range effort.
Powell then saw an effort smartly saved before the visitors extended their lead in the 65th minute when Mooney curled a 25 yard free-kick into the right hand side of the net.
Five minutes later, Southend completed the scoring with Powell charging in from the right hand side before firing home.
Blues first half: Arnold, Demetriou, Ralph, Taylor, Reeve, Kensdale, Bridge, Coker, Wood, Dalby, Arrowsmith
Second half: Andeng Ndi, Scott-Morriss, Clifford, Lomas, Hobson, Davis, Miley, Husin, Mooney Benton, Powell (Crowhurst 82).
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