Head of Youth Ricky Duncan has heaped praise on his young side of history makers after they landed the League title yesterday.

Southend United's under 18's sealed the Youth Alliance trophy for the first time in the Blues history on Monday afternoon.

Kyle Asante's 90th minute winner against Gillingham sparked wild scenes at the Kent teams Beechings Cross training ground.

And a delighted Duncan paid tribute to his talented young side.

"It's a fantastic achievement," said Ricky Duncan.

"Bringing players through for the first team remains the priority and we can't lose sight of that, but to win the title for the first time in the club's history is great.

"We did it last year with the best ever run in the FA Youth Cup and a lot of hard work has gone into this.

"We have a great group of young players who have worked hard along with taking things on board and fully deserve to have won the league."

Duncan's team have been beaten just once in the league this season and have won 15 of their 21 games so far.

But they seemed set for just a point in heavy rain against the Gills until two minutes into added on time when Asante slide in at the back post to convert a fantastic left-wing cross from Duran Reynolds.

"We played well in the second half and it was a great way to win it," said Duncan, 43.

"All the part-time and full-time staff we have deserve huge credit, and a big thank you must go to the Shrimpers Trust for everything they've done, and also to Ron Martin, the board of directors and Steve Tilson for the way they have backed the youth system."

Duncan also won the title twice while with Cambridge United and his latest triumph capped an amazing campaign which has already seen Stuart O'Keefe sign a professional deal and Femi Orenuga snapped up by Everton.

"It's been a great year for us," he said.

"We've had everything you could have and must also recognise the part the second year scholars played in our success before being released.

"Players like Ronnie Jones, Ricky Byrne and Jack Morris were all great, along with Nathan McDonald, who has carried on playing well after being told he wouldn't be here next season.

"I know some of the fans were surprised to see them leave but unfortunately you can't keep everyone and they certainly played a past in what we have achieved."

Duncan's team has been captained this term by Davis Abbey, with Craig Calver the top goalscorer, having netted 23 goals this season.