Shane O’Connor (pictured) and Ed Upson both scored twice and Reggie Lambe and Connor Wickham once as Town’s reserves defeated Southend 6-1 at Roots Hall. The Blues dominated throughout with Matt Paterson’s first half goal all the Shrimpers had to show for their afternoon.
Midfielder Upson, criticised by boss Roy Keane for his performance at Norwich last week, opened the scoring with a long range shot which deflected into the net in the sixth minute.
Paterson equalised for the home side four minutes later, rebounding after keeper Brian Murphy had blocked his first effort.
Moments later, Reggie Lambe put the Blues back in front with a very similar goal, following up his own initial shot after the Southend keeper had parried.
Two minutes before the break, Connor Wickham made it three with a thunderbolt which left the Shrimpers keeper standing.
Shane O’Connor switched from left-back to left midfield at the break to allow Ben Thatcher to come on in his regular role and it was the young Irishman who would add the Blues’ fourth goal in the 47th minute, volleying the ball home.
The ex-Liverpool academy player added his second and Town’s fifth in the 72nd minute, lashing a shot into the net off the underside of the bar.
Upson completed the scoring with a curling freekick from the edge of the area after Ronan Murray had been fouled.
Town were the better side throughout with Brian Murphy having another solid if quiet game in goal. The watching Roy Keane had intended to play Ian McLoughlin in this game and his switch to Murphy may suggest he is considering giving him his first team debut at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
The Blues ended the match with 10 men after O’Connor picked up a minor knock with Town having used all their subs. The summer signing was again impressive and could well come into Keane’s first team thoughts before the summer given Town’s shortness of left-side options.
Central defenders Tom Eastman and Troy Brown again did well, while Ben Thatcher was solid once he came on. Ronan Murray put in a decent cameo performance from the bench.
Reserves: B Murphy, Ainsley, Brown, Eastman, O'Connor, Yao (Thatcher 46), Hyam, Upson, Lambe, Martin (Murray 65), Wickham (Griffiths 65). Unused: McLoughlin, Cawley.
Thanks to Andy Pearl.