Last night's pre-season friendly at non-league Purfleet ended in another routine win for Southend United.

The Shrimpers, who included midfield trialist from Plymouth James Gill, strolled home 2-0 at Ship Lane, thanks to first-half goals from defenders Simon Coleman and Mark Beard.

Skipper Coleman headed Blues in front after just eight minutes when he was left unmarked to meet midfielder Simon Livett's corner kick.

Southend wrapped up their victory 20 minutes later when Neville Roach flicked Gordon Connelly's lofted pass to Beard, who steered home his third goal in as many warm-up matches.

There was good news on the injury front with summer signing Neil Tolson, who has been plagued with ankle trouble, taking his place in the forward line for the last 20 minutes.

Southend: Capleton (Spittle), Beard (Cross), Jones (Gooding), Roget (Booty), Coleman (New-man), Perkins (McDonald), Connelly (Houghton), Livett (Johnson), Abiodun (Tolson), Roach (Morley), Maher (Gill).

Blues hitman Trevor Fitzpatrick was a goalscoring substitute for the Republic of Ireland last night in their 3-3 European under-18 Champion-ship finals draw with Georgia in Sweden.

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