Southend United's loan star Jay Smith capped a dream home debut for Blues with the winner in yesterday's 2-1 Roots Hall success against Cambridge.

It's there - Home debutant Jay Smith crowns a fine display with Southend's second goal in their 2-1 win over Cambridge. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL D6BD313

Centre-half Stephen Broad fired the Shrimpers into an early lead, before U's winger Omer Riza struck a sensational equaliser.

However, 20-year-old Aston Villa midfielder Smith pounced before the break to prod Blues in front again and cement the Seasiders' first home win of the new season.

"You can't ask for more than scoring the winner on your home debut and I hope the Southend fans were happy with our performance," said Smith.

"I really enjoyed the game and felt that I played well. Although, playing in the Third Division for Blues is a lot different to reserve team football at Villa Park.

"However, all the lads have helped me settle in very quickly at Roots Hall and I'm sure I can get even better.

"And with players of the quality of Kevin Maher around me in the Southend team I hope I can get a few more goals during my time here."

Another happy man was Southend defender Broad, who was recalled to the heart of Blues' defence in place of knee injury casualty Phil Whelan.

"All the boys are well pleased to have won at home at last and it was great for me to get on the scoresheet," said the 22-year-old.

"The last two goals I have scored for Southend have been good ones, but I hit this one with all the power of Dot Cotton. Mark Rawle put their keeper off and it just dribbled over the goal-line. But I don't care how they go in as they all count."

Victory pushed Blues up eight places to tenth spot in Division Three. And Shrimpers boss Rob Newman added: "We deserved to beat Cambridge which rounded off a very successful Bank Holiday programme.

"I thought we were excellent going forward against Cambridge - Tes Bramble and Mark Rawle really terrified them at times. But there were spells of the game when we had to defend as well and we stuck at the job.

"With the win at Oxford on Saturday we have taken a six-point maximum over the weekend and you can't ask for anymore than that."

Former Bristol City defender Thomas Jordan, 21, is expected to join Blues on a month-to-month contract today. The free agent has been on trial at Roots Hall for the past couple of weeks.

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Published Tuesday August 27, 2002

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