Southend United's youth team chief Ricky Duncan heaped praise on his side after their 4-1 demolition of Derby County at Roots Hall tonight.

"We played some great stuff," said the Blues boss.

"Some of the football we played, especially in the first half, was fantastic and so were the goals.

"It's the best performance we've had since I've been involved with the club and I'm over the moon with it."

The form and result was in stark contrast to the club's struggling league campaign.

But Duncan was quick to point out the factors which helped Blues beat Premier League opposition.

"We were playing on a good surface and against an academy team who passed the ball around," he said.

"That suits us and it's what we want more of at this football club.

"We're into the fourth round now and that's going to be another great night for us all."