COLCHESTER United's under-21s defeated Essex rivals Southend United 3-0, in a friendly at Florence Park.

Jack Curtis netted twice and he was joined on the scoresheet by Courtney Senior.

On a dull and drizzly afternoon at Florence Park, Senior had the first notable effort with a shot that was saved by the Shrimpers keeper.

The U's player then turned provider for Curtis to net the opening goal after 19 minutes.

Southend responded when a long-range free-kick was tipped over the bar by Dillon Barnes.

The U's keeper then saved a low, skidding shot down to his right.

However, after good link up play by the two triallists, DeCarrey Sheriff set up Senior to fire a left-footed effort into the net for 2-0.

On the hour-mark, Senior broke down the right, evaded a challenge by the full-back and cut the ball back for Curtis.

Although his first effort was saved, he put away the rebound.

A whole series of substitutes came on and one of them, George Brown, went close as his shot took a deflection and went just wide of the far post.