THE Shrimpers ensured former Blues boss Peter Taylor's return to Roots Hall was one he would want to forget.

A trio of first-half goals was enough for Rob Newman's Southend to tame the Tigers. Central midfielder Jay Smith grabbed his first goal of the afternoon after 22 minutes before striker Mark Rawle extended the advantage after 41 minutes.

Smith got his second from the penalty spot after Hull's Andrew Holt fouled Blues' on loan winger Daniel Marney.

Holt picked up a booking for the challenge but Shrimpers striker Tes Bramble was sent off for violent conduct in the aftermath of the penalty decision.

The three-point maximum haul lifted Southend to 10th in the Division Three table.

Full match report, pictures and reaction in Monday's Echo.