SOUTHEND United’s torrid start to the League One season continued with a 4-0 defeat at Lincoln City this afternoon.

The Shrimpers rarely threatened at Sincil Bank as the Imps continued their unbeaten start to life in League One.

And that meant Blues have now been beaten in their first three League games of a campaign since 1992.

Despite the final score-line, Southend came close to taking an early lead when Stephen McLaughlin’s right wing corner was headed out into the path of Sam Mantom whose 12 yard shot struck the outside of the right post.

However, Lincoln began to work their way into the game and broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when Jorge Grant’s driven free-kick from the right flank found the head of Jason Shackell at the far post and he netted with a header which looped high into the right hand side of the net.

Nine minutes later the Imps doubled their lead when Harry Toffolo’s run down Lincoln’s left was only temporarily stopped by Elvis Bwomono, enabling the defender the send a low, left footed shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

In a bid to get back into the game, Blues boss Kevin Bond made two changes at the break with Stephen Humphrys and new boy Ethan Hamilton who signed on loan from Manchester United on the eve of the game.

However, Lincoln remained on top and extended their lead in the 48th minute with Walker on target from the spot.

Walker also won the penalty after he was brought down by a poorly timed challenge from Joe Shaughnessy and he made no mistake from 12 yards as he fired his effort into the centre of the goal.

The Shrimpers hit back with Cox and Hamilton both having long range efforts saved by Josh Vickers before the visitors made their final change of the afternoon in the 65th minute with Layton Ndukwu replacing McLaughlin.

But it was Lincoln who continued to threaten with Walker having a 20 yard shot tipped wide of the left post by Bishop before the Imps sealed their win nine minutes from time with substitute Bruno Andrade netting with a low shot from 12 yards.