Jordan Rhodes struck twice as the reserves were made to work hard for the win at Roots Hall.

The young striker rounded off an excellent move in the first minute with a clinical finish following a cross from Danny Haynes.

Southend equalised on the stroke of half-time but Owen Garvan put Blues back in front in the second-half, running on to Ed Upson's pass and sliding the ball past the 'keeper.

The Essex side responded again with a second equaliser before Rhodes grabbed his second of the game with the winner 10 minutes from time.

Garvan and Danny Haynes were both substituted deep into the second-half with Town also fielding fellow first-team players Sito, Fabian Wilnis and Nick Colgan in a strong side against an equally experienced home line-up.