Southend kicked off their pre-season account with a 2-0 win at Great Wakering Rovers.

A second half penalty from Lee Barnard and superb volley from Nicky Bailey proved enough to settle the friendly against local non-league opposition.

The first chance of the match was fashioned by Alan McCormack, only for the Irishman to find his route to a gaping goal blocked by a series of Wakering bodies.

Franck Moussa slid in to meet a Simon Francis cross in the six-yard box, but was denied by advancing goalkeeper Richard McKinney.

Another delivery from Francis was set up perfectly for Alex Revell to score from close range, but the striker headed wide of the right-hand post and blazed another chance over from 15 yards moments later.

Southend remained on top, but had to settle for a goalless scoreline at half time.

A swift turn and shot on the edge of the box from Barnard forced a comfortable save at his near post from McKinney after the break.

Damian Scannell crashed a shot into the side netting before Adam Barrett headed a corner wide from a similar position.

Southend had the opportunity to open the scoring in the 63rd minute when Barrett was brought down in the penalty box, and Barnard made no mistake in hitting the back of the net from the spot.

Nicky Bailey sealed the victory 10 minutes from time with a sweet left-foot volley into the corner of the net.

Southend: Masters, Francis (Herd 46), Sankofa (O'Keefe 75), Clarke, Benjamin, Moussa (Barrett 46), McCormack (Bailey 46), Lokando (Noble 46), Walker (Scannell 46), Ademeno (Furlong 46), Revell (Barnard 46).