Former Spurs youngster David Lee earned himself a full-time Roots Hall contract with an impressive display during Southend United's opening pre-season match at Gravesend and Northfleet.

The 20-year-old was rewarded with a one-year deal following an awesome second-half performance on Friday night in which the Basildon born midfielder also netted Blues' only goal.

Lee crashed home a low shot just inside the left-post from the edge of the box after 82 minutes, only for Southend to gift their Ryman Premier hosts, whose side included ex-Canvey midfielder Scott Lindsey, a late equaliser.

With two minutes remaining, Norwegian trialist goalkeeper Pal Albersten got in a muddle with Blues youngster Leon Johnson, allowing Ian Walford to score the simplest of tap-ins.

On a positive note, new left-back Damon Searle showed some nice touches, but Southend fans were made to wait to see fellow defensive signing Phil Whelan in action.

The centre-half missed out at Stonebridge Road with a back strain and sat out the game with Blues striker Neil Tolson, whose persistent groin problem prevented him from taking part.

Southend's line-up also included another trialist, South African forward Konye, who worked hard during the second period.

But Lee made the biggest impression and will join Southend at their five-day training camp at Suffolk's RAF Hollington airbase, which began yesterday (Monday).

One player who wont be joining Alan Little's men however, is Albersten, who has been sent back to Scandinavia.

Southend: Capleton (Prudhoe; Albersten), Booty (Cross), Searle (Kerrigan; McSweeney), Morley (McDonald), Roget (Perkins), Tinkler (Johnson), Maher (Lee), Houghton (Edwards), Connelly (Hunter), Fitzpatrick (Abiodun), Carruthers (Konye).

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.