SOUTHEND United coach Danny Heath was ‘over the moon’ after seeing his Shrimpers side beat MK Dons 3-2 in the second round of the FA Youth Cup.
Blues edged an entertaining five goal thriller at Roots Hall.
And Heath was delighted for his young players who fought hard to set up a third round tie with Middlesbrough.
“I’m over the moon and I’m buzzing,” said Heath.
“The boys set themselves targets in pre-season and the objective was to get to the third round proper as a minimum.
“I’m really pleased for them to have achieved one of their targets and now we’re through we can talk about playing Middlesbrough too.”
The Shrimpers will welcome the Championship club to Roots Hall next month.
But they were made to work hard by a Dons side who beat Blues 3-0 earlier on this season.
“MK Dons are a very good footballing team,” said Heath.
“They’re technically very good and have got pace but we spoke a lot about the press.
“They look to play through the thirds and we’ve worked hard on that.
“Fiddesy (Max Fiddes), (Henry) Sandat, Omari (Williams), Mo (Amir) all worked hard and Beau (MacDonadl) was excellent for an under 16.
“I’m really pleased.”
Goals from Fiddes, Sandat and Williams put Blues 3-1 up at the break.
And Heath was also happy with how the Shrimpers reacted to conceding within the first minute of the second half.
“The reaction after it went 3-2 after what happened in the second half against Luton and Stevenage was good,” said Heath.
“There was real desire, character and resilience to see it out.
“We’ve got the result and four players have stepped onto the pitch from the under 16s which is going to be massive for their development.
“It was a great feeling to hear the supporters clapping the boys off at the end.
"It felt really loud so I can’t imagine how it feels with 6,000 fans doing it.”
And that reception at the final whistle made the night even more memorable for Heath.
“Any win is enjoyable,” said Heath.
“Winning at Peterborough to win Merit League One sticks out and there’s never a bigger buzz than seeing a young player go out onto the pitch with the first team.
“But this is up there with that Peterborough win, 100 per cent. “
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