THE contrasting fortunes of the county’s top two clubs continued in Saturday’s Essex derby at Roots Hall.

In form Southend United made sure of the bragging rights with a trio of late strikes to maintain their push for the play-offs with a 3-0 victory.

The win was the Shrimpers’ third in succession but, in stark contrast, bottom of the table Colchester have now not triumphed in 15 league outings and seem certain to be in the basement division next season.

But, despite such a difference in form and league positions, Saturday’s clash was closely contested until the closing stages – despite the U’s playing nearly an hour with 10 men.

Midfielder Alex Gilbey was the man to receive his marching orders for a shocking two footed challenge on Ryan Leonard but Blues initially found it hard to break down their rivals.

The hosts enjoyed long periods of pressure and possession with their numerical advantage but were becoming frustrated in their attempts to breach the league’s worst defence until Anthony Wordsworth netted from long range.

The midfielder was a surprise inclusion on the substitutes’ bench after more than three months on the side-lines with an ankle injury.

But he returned in style on Saturday by scoring an excellent effort from long range against his former side.

The quality strike left Colchester crestfallen and enabled Phil Brown’s side to add two more goals in the dying minutes with Adam Barrett soon adding to the excitement with a well taken header.

With his veins bulging and biceps flexing, the centre-back was passion personified at the heart of the defence as he relished another memorable afternoon at Roots Hall.

The popular defender’s return, together with promotion at Wembley and a promising first half to the season in League One has seen the buzz come back to Blues.

And Saturday’s derby day success was another example of a feel good factor which has started to re-emerge around the club.

Boss Phil Brown has put together the strongest Southend squad in several seasons, with a whole host of players able to make an impact.

Wordsworth’s involvement proved key at the weekend along with Sam McQueen who celebrated his 21st birthday by scoring on his first Shrimpers start.

Glen Kamara also enjoyed a tidy debut after replacing the injured Leonard in midfield at half-time and Blues now boast incredible strength in depth.

As a result, Ben Coker, David Worrall, Michael Timlin and Noel Hunt are currently among those unavailable or fighting to force their way back into the starting line-up.

And such competition bodes well for the remainder of the season which looks set to end in exciting fashion, whatever the final outcome.

In many ways, the pressure is also off the Shrimpers as compared to those around them in the table there remains a lower level of expectancy.

But Saturday’s success will live long in the memory for all Blues fans and so too will the celebrations and noise levels which greeted all three of the goals.

A fantastic atmosphere was generated among the two sets of supporters in a crowd of more than 10,000.

However, the actions of one foolish Southend fan who aimed punches towards the visiting supporters after running across the pitch tarnished an otherwise excellent day.

But his behaviour, which must surely result in a lengthy ban from the ground, should not detract from the otherwise excellent support coming the way of the Shrimpers.

And his immature actions should not be allowed to overshadow what was another excellent and exciting derby day victory for Blues either.