Southend reserves won 2-1 at Barnet yesterday in the Avon Insurance Combination.

Forward Neil Midgley fired the Bees into a 48th-minute lead, only for Blues to hit back with two goals from youngster Anthony Clark.

The Blues equalised after 57 minutes when the winger clipped the ball over Barnet goalkeeper Danny Naisbitt.

And teenager Clark sealed victory when he ran on to a slide rule pass from Blues boss Rob Newman, who played himself up front, and slotted home from 15 yards three minutes from time.

Southend fielded two trialists -- Torquay defender Robert Smith and Derby front-runner Sean Gummer.

However, former Marseille striker Nicolas Gomis didn't play because of international clearance worries.

Smith will spend the rest of the week training with Blues, but Gummer has been sent back north.

Reports in the Cotswolds claim Cheltenham Town forward Hugh McAuley is joining Southend on trial next week.

The 24-year-old is out of contract this summer.

More on Southend United FC

What are your views on Southend? Have your say on our Views on the Blues bulletin board

Published Thursday, March 14, 2002