Three spectacular strikes helped Southend United romp past play-off promotion hopefuls Torquay at Roots Hall on Saturday under the watchful eye of new boss Steve Wignall.

Striker Mark Rawle stunned the Devon outfit with a brilliant first-half brace, leaving midfielder Neil Jenkins to put the icing on the cake with a goal of the season contender late in the game.

But Wignall, who was unveiled to the Roots Hall crowd just before kick-off, is unlikely to get caught up in the euphoria of what looked to be a convincing win at full-time.

Make mine a double : two-goal Blues striker Mark Rawle tries to shake off Lee Canoville

The former Colchester manager watched the game from a high perch in the Roots Hall directors' box, leaving the team selection to caretaker Blues chief Stewart Robson, and will know he has a big job on his hands this summer.

But Wignall will relish the opportunity to turn things around at Southend and bring success to a club he has been desperate to revive ever since losing out to Alan Little for the Shrimpers manager's post five years ago.

And if the 48-year-old, who beat veteran manager Don Mackay to the hot-seat this time round, can emulate the achievements he enjoyed at Layer Road then Blues' fans will be more than happy to accept a man who also played for the Seasiders' bitter Essex rivals.

Published Monday, April 21, 2003

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