Southend United 0 Ipswich Town 2

Southend, with four wins over non-league sides in their opening warm-up games, were playing Roy Keane's men who had lost two of their previous four matches, and they matched their Championship opponents in most departments early on.

And it was the Blues who nearly took the lead in the first half when skipper Adam Barrett struck a powerful shot that found side netting.

However, the Tractor Boys followed this up by hittimg a post with a low shot from Trotter from 20 yards out.

Keane was his usual happy self on the touchline, getting quite excited over a typical Grant challenge but then again he has got history with referee Andy D'Urso, once chasing him all over Old Trafford!

Then again, seeing their manager get involved seemed to raise the Suffolk club's game and a good cross in the 56th minute was met by a stooping header from Trotter and Ipswich found themselves one goal to the good.

420-odd Tractor Boys in the North Bank continued to celebrate 12 minutes later 68th when Trotter finished off a class move to complete his own brace and his teams victory at 2-0.

Blues keeper Steve Mildenhall did make a good save from a Trotter header to deny him his hat-trick while Southend created a couple of chances that they failed to convert.

Making his debut with the Blues was former Dutch under 21 international Maceo Rigters, who also spent a loan spell at Norwich City from Blackburn Rovers.

He showed some pace at times but a lack of decent support meant he needs more game time to impress Tilly and the Roots Hall faithful.

Meanwhile, left-back Zumar Babayogo had his second game on trail and, again, failed to convince on this showing.

More worrying was Captain Adam going off just after the half hour that saw Christophe playing as a make shift centre half, oh dear!

Midfield looked OK with the Moose continuing to drift inside, we'd better get used to that, leaving the left wing exposed at times, but welcome back Sawyer who looked good.

Still early days but we really need that defender Tilly, no rush, just get someone!

Southend United: Mildenhall, Francis (Herd 78), Bakayogo, Christophe, Barrett (Sawyer 33), Grant, McCormack (O'Keefe 78) Barnar (Revell 62), Laurent, Rigters (Calver 78), Moussa.

Subs not used: Joyce.

Ipswich Town: R Wright, Bruce (D Wright 53), McAuley, Balkestein, Delaney (Smith 56), Norris, Trotter, Garvan, (Shumi 76), Martin, (Quinn 72), Walters (Rhodes 76), Stead, (Wickham 72).

Subs not used: Supple.

Referee: Andy D'Urso (Billericay)

Attendance: 2,406