SUBSTITUTE Theo Robinson scored twice in four minutes to hand Southend United a 2-1 win against Millwall tonight.

The Lions the lead immediately after the break when Blues’ summer signing Nathan Ralph netted an unfortunate own goal.

But Robinson’s two goals in quick succession saw the Shrimpers triumph against their Championship opponents at Roots Hall.

Blues – who included trialist centre-back Joe Shaughnessy in their starting line-up – threatened early on with the fit-again Stephen McLaughlin having a long range effort gathered by Millwall goalkeeper Ryan Sandford.

Moments later, Stephen Humphrys sent a long range free-kick over the crossbar as the first half ended without a goal.

The Shrimpers made one change at the break with the fit-again Luke Hyam replacing Dru Yearwood in the centre of the park.

But, three minutes into the second half, the visitors took the lead in fortuitous circumstances when Harry Lennon’s attempted clearance struck Ralph before looping over the head of Blues goalkeeper Mark Oxley and entering the back of the net via the underside of the crossbar.

In reply, Shrimpers skipper Mark Milligan sent a scorching long range shot inches over the crossbar before Hyam volleyed over from 14 yards with 63 minutes on the clock.

With Blues still seeking an equaliser, Humphrys then sent a low effort straight at Sandford before the hosts made their second change of the night in the 70th minute with Charlie Kelman taking the place of Sam Mantom.

Theo Robinson and trialist winger Isaac Buckley-Ricketts entered the action four minutes later and the duo combined to help Blues equalise in the 76th minute.

Buckley-Ricketts was the provider as his low pass found Robinson who composed himself before smashing a powerful 18 yard shot into the roof of the net.

And, just three minutes later, Robinson was at it again as he headed home a left-wing corner from Goodship at the near post from six yards.

Millwall – who had former Blues midfielder Ryan Leonard in their starting line-up - threatened an equaliser when Wallace fired over from 20 yards before Mark Oxley tipped over Jiri Skalak’s powerful late effort.

Southend United: Oxley, Bwomono, Shaughnessy, Lennon, Ralph, McLaughlin (Buckley-Ricketts 74), Mantom (Kelman 70), Milligan, Yearwood (Hyam 46), Goodship (Blackman 84), Humphrys (Robinson 74)