SOUTHEND United came from a goal down to beat Billericay Town 3-2 this evening.

Callum Kennedy fired Town into an early lead before goals from Corey Jordan, Rob Kiernan and Stephen Humphrys put the Shrimpers in control.

And Kevin Bond's were able to secure victory despite a late volley from Town trialist Samuel Egole. 

National League South side Billericay began brightly with former Blues youngster Jack Paxman curling a 20 yard shot wide of the right post.

The Shrimpers replied with summer signing Brandon Goodship having a low shot blocked by Town goalkeeper Alan Julian.

But, with play switching back to the other end of the field, Billericay broke the deadlock in the ninth minute when a short corner from the right flank led to Kennedy curling home a right footed shot from 20 yards.

Jordan Parkes soon came close to doubling Billericay’s lead as he slammed a well struck 25 yard shot against the top of the crossbar.

However, Blues soon replied with Theo Robinson curling a left footed shot wide of the left post before Dru Yearwood saw a deflected effort fly past the opposite upright.

The Shrimpers continued to push forward and equalised in the 33rd minute when Stephen McLaughlin’s right wing corner found Bournemouth defender Jordan at the far post and the centre-back netted with a firm volley.

Moments later, skipper Sam Mantom sent a low shot wide of the left post from 18 yards before Yearwood saw a well struck effort impressively saved by Julian.

After surviving the scares, Billericay hit back with Kennedy curling a 25 yard free kick inches wide of the right post before Blues threatened at the start of the second half with Yearwood having a low shot tipped wide of the right post.

McLaughlin then curled a 25 yard free-kick wide of the left upright before the Shrimpers changed all 10 of their outfield players on the hour mark.

Five minutes after the changes, Blues took the lead when Isaac Hutchinson’s right wing corner picked out Kiernan who headed home from 10 yards.

The Shrimpers stayed on top and extended their lead in spectacular fashion in the 71st minute when Humphrys powered home an impressive 25 yard shot with his left foot.

Billericay got back into the game two minutes later when Alfie Potter’s right wing cross found trialist Samuel Egole who sent a neatly controlled volley into the back of the net from close range.

But Blues were able to see out the closing stages to secure victory and came close to adding a fourth late on when Charlie Kelman's curling effort was impressively tipped onto the crossbar by Julian. 

Southend United (first hour): Oxley, Bwomono, Jordan, Lennon, Blackman, Yearwood, Milligan, Mantom, McLaughlin, Robinson, Goodship

Final half an hour: Oxley, Howard, White, Kiernan, Clifford, Phillips, Klass, Hutchinson, Kelman, Acquah, Humphrys