A first half goal from Damian Scannell proved the difference for Southend in a 1-0 pre-season victory at Billericay Town.

Southend named two trialists in their starting XI with Jamie Clapham being joined by a familiar face in Anthony Grant.

Grant spent the end of last season on loan at Southend from Chelsea and played 45 minutes at New Lodge.

Southend dominated the first half against their non-league opponents, as Scannell raced on to a pass from James Walker and flicked the ball just wide of the post.

Lee Barnard was twice denied in quick succession when collecting Simon Francis' cross in front of goal, with his initial effort saved before he was at full stretch to see the rebound turned behind.

Southend were finding plenty of favour down the right flank and a darting run from Scannell led to a low cross to Barnard, who attempted to turn the ball in with a back heel that drifted wide.

Further pressure from the Blues led to the impressive Scannell hitting the woodwork, as he raced on to a brilliant crossfield pass from youngster Stuart O'Keefe and crashed a powerful shot on to the right-hand post.

Scannell was not to be denied moments later though, as he opened the scoring in the 39th minute.

Grant set the move in motion with a ball over the top and Scannell did the rest in bypassing his way through the defence before hitting a delicate low shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Steven Ferguson blazed over for Billericay at the start of the second half from a promising position outside the box, as the hosts looked to response.

Paul Furlong was put in the clear only to shoot wide of the target before Bailey was then denied only by a superb save from Ronnie Worster when reacting first to Scannell's cross from close range.

Southend continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession and carved out further chances, as Worster made another fine save to deny Barnard tapping the ball in at the far post from Bailey's delivery.

Steve Mildenhall made a brilliant save to tip Ferguson's late volley around the post, but as it turned out Scannell's strike was enough to settle this friendly encounter, as he Blues next travel to face Chelmsford City on Monday.

Southend: Mildenhall, Francis (Sankofa 46), Clarke, Barrett, Clapham, Scannell, Grant (Moussa 46), Bailey, O'Keefe (Furlong 46), Walker, Barnard.