AN irrepressible performance from Southend United’s under-18 side saw them warm up for this Friday’s FA Youth Cup second round tie against Brentford with a 3-1 home victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.

James Stevens, Alex Woodyard and Duane Ofori-Acheampong were all on target for a revitalised Blues line-up as they leapt above their opponents in the Football League Youth Alliance South East Conference table, with the young Shrimpers completing their victory in some style.

Indeed, just 75 seconds were on the clock when Stevens received the ball on the edge of the Seagulls penalty area as the result of some slack defensive play, and he stroked it past a statuesque ‘keeper into the bottom left-hand corner from 18 yards out.

Blues were given a reminder of their visitors’ quality in the 13th minute as some lax play in midfield allowed Brighton to equalise.

Both Stevens and Anthony Furlonge had opportunities to clear the danger, but eventually a fine move was rounded off by Jordan Woodley, who tapped in a left-wing cross at the back post.

However, Southend’s second goal arrived eight minutes before half-time as Woodyard contributed his first youth team goal of the current campaign.

The midfielder, later presented with the October Shrimpers Trust Youth Team Player of the Month award, was the beneficiary of Lyle Della-Verde’s industry on the left flank with the tricky wide-man getting to the bye-line before cutting back to Woodyard for a measured finish from eight yards.

Stevens and Della-Verde were at the heart of the move again for Southend’s third goal.

Stevens chipped forward for the trainee to fire goalwards on the volley.

The goalkeeper appeared to have made a comfortable save, but he spilled the ball at the feet of the waiting Smith, and the Republic of Ireland Under-18 international squared for Ofori-Acheampong to drive his shot home.

Blues will now turn their attention to the visit of Brentford in the FA Youth Cup.

The Bees make their way to Roots Hall on Friday evening for a 7:30pm kick-off to face a confident Southend outfit.

Admission is £3 for adults and just £1 for concessions.

Southend United: Bentley, Furlonge, Nesbitt, Stevens, Baucutt, Ferdinand, Okai (Camacho 88), Woodyard, Ofori-Acheampong, Smith, Della-Verde (Hall 66).

Subs not used: Auger, Mackay & Paxman.