SOUTHEND United will face Exeter City in League Two next season after the Grecians were beaten 4-0 by Northampton Town in tonight’s play-off final at Wembley.

The Cobblers – who included former Blues midfielder Alan McCormack in their starting line-up – opened the scoring after just 11 minutes when Ryan Watson fired home from the edge of the penalty area.

Northampton doubled their lead in the 31st minute when Callum Morton netted from close range and Exeter suffered a further blow midway through the second half when Dean Moxey was sent off.

The Cobblers made the most of their extra man with Sam Hoskins and Andy Williams both scoring in the final 10 minutes to seal their promotion.

As a result, the Shrimpers will now face a 450 mile round trip to Exeter next season.