Carl Hutchings predicted a bright future for Southend United after last night's (Monday's) thumping 4-1 triumph at Stevenage Borough in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy.

he midfielder was joined on the scoresheet by forwards Tes Bramble and Mark Rawle as Blues swept to a commanding first-half lead.

French striker Jean-Michel Sigere pulled back a goal for the hosts after the break, but Shrimpers substitute Daniel Webb had the last word as he wrapped up a resounding success against the Conference side.

And Hutchings heralded Blues' Stevenage triumph as the springboard for a successful campaign. "We've done really well over the last couple of games and hopefully we can take it on from here and have a good season," he said. Find out more about Southend United FC "Since Rob Newman took over as caretaker manager he has given us a formation which gives us a lot more freedom to express ourselves and so far it is paying off.

"The result against Stevenage was well deserved as all the lads played brilliantly. But more importantly it demonstrated that we are starting to perform with a lot more confidence."

And stand-in Blues boss Newman was all smiles after his side's comprehensive mauling of Stevenage.

"We made life easier for ourselves by putting on a good first-half display, which helped us dig out a great victory," he said.

"Our passing was crisp and we looked sharp. But what pleased me most was the players' desire to run into space and cause Stevenage problems, which opened them up and created our goals.

"We weren't as dominant after the break and may have been punished by better opposition.

"But overall I'm quite happy as this is a competition we want to do well in, as we did last year when we reached the southern final."

And finally, Newman praised his front pairing of Bramble and Rawle.

"Tes is beginning to look a real handful again and Mark should scare most defences with his pace," he added.

"They terrorised the life out of Stevenage and I was pleased to see them both get on the scoresheet."

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