SOUTHEND United's under 18 side put in a superb performance to thrash local rivals Colchester 5-1 in a rearranged fixture at Boots and Laces on Saturday.

Striker James Lindie led the onslaught, netting twice during a thrilling first half.

His first arrived on 10 minutes when he struck low past the U's goalkeeper from Dan Harvey's cross, while he later calmly converted after being put through by Stuart O'Keefe for the fourth narrowly after the half-hour mark.

Fellow second-year scholar Jamie Forshaw had begun the rout just three minutes into the contest as he finished with a confident effort after fine work from O'Keefe and Lindie down the right.

Rhys Henry, who has just returned from a work experience spell at Harlow Town, was also on target, reacting quickest to tap in his own saved penalty.

Colchester briefly got back into proceedings when they pulled a goal back ten minutes after half-time, capitalising on a defensive mistake to leave Nathan McDonald with no chance.

However, the Shrimpers had the final say, substitute Tashan Adeyinka touching home O'Keefe's centre.

Southend: McDonald; Harvey, Rieck, Obaze, Morris; Forshaw (Adeyinka 77), Abbey, Abalimba, O'Keefe; Lindie (Marcus 50), Henry (Ljungström 64).