Midfielder Sam Brogan was delighted to help Southend United’s under-18 side return to winning ways with a 2-1 Boots & Laces success against Stevenage.

The first-year scholar, who was described by youth team coach Dave Huzzey as the ‘unsung hero’ of the side, controlled the midfield battle against a Stevenage side that had triumphed twice against Blues in the EFL Youth Alliance South East Conference, allowing Bobby Unwin and O’Shane Stewart to score the goals in an impressive victory.

And Brogan was thrilled with the victory.

“I’m very proud,” said the youngster.

“It was a great team performance and we got the result we deserved.

“Particularly in the first half it was very difficult in the conditions.

“A lot of people think it is more difficult to play against the wind, but playing with the wind is very difficult to play across and I thought we did very well to deal with the conditions.

“I knew we were on top and if we kept playing the way we were we would eventually score.”

Brogan played a key part in the victory and was also pleased with his own performance.

“I thought I had a very good game,” said the midfielder.

“I moved the ball well and did my job on behalf of the team and helped us to get the overall result. My role is to win the ball back and move the ball and let other people play.

“It’s not always about the glory, it’s about the performance and, if I do my job well, I know others will score the goals and that’ll lead to the result we want.

“I’ve just got to keep working hard and doing what I do.”

Blues opened the scoring four minutes into the second half when Matt Rush released Terrell Egbri down the right flank.

He then centred for Unwin, who side-footed home his third goal in the Merit League campaign to date.

The Shrimpers remained on top and doubled their advantage in the 55th minute when Ide Osimeh’s corner was cleared to the edge of the penalty area, where Stewart was perfectly-placed to steer his volley into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

Stevenage hit back with Bunja Conteh on target, but Blues held on to secure another win.

Southend United U18s: Seaden, Dabbs, Osimeh, Brogan, Knock, Mitchell-Nelson, Egbri, Stewart (Coker 80), Rush (Mpenga 90), Eastwood, Unwin (Vaivada 72)