Southend made it three League One wins on the spin as they defeated Leyton Orient.
Early goals help Shrimpers cruise to victory
Southend made it three League One wins on the spin and erased memories of their Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat to Leyton Orient earlier this month with a 3-0 victory on Friday.
The hosts took just 47 seconds to take the lead, which came after Kevin Betsy's cross from the right byline was not cleared by the Orient defence and Lee Barnard shot home from six yards.
The Shrimpers doubled their advantage in the 12th minute when Dan Harding crossed from the left and Dougie Freedman headed to Lee Sawyer, who lashed the ball past Glenn Morris from six yards.
Southend pressed for a third and saw Morris save a Sawyer header and turn a Freedman shot round the post
Orient's best chance saw Ryan Jarvis head wide from six yards while long-range shots from JJ Melligan and Paul Terry were held by debutant keeper Adam Federici.
The visitors looked a far better side in the second half and saw substitute Dean Morgan's shot saved.
But Southend grabbed a third against the run of play when Hal Robson-Kanu's left-sided cross evaded Barnard but was slotted home at the far post by Freedman.
