MATT Rush and Emile Acquah both bagged braces as Southend United’s under 23 side saw off MK Dons 5-1.

The strikers have both featured for the Shrimpers’ first team in recent weeks.

And Blues coach Craig Fagan was pleased to see them linking up well to beat the Dons at Boots & Laces.

“They’ve played together a lot and they know how to get the best out of each other,” said Fagan.

“Emile was flicking things on and took his goals well too.

“Rushy will always make the most of the chances he gets.

“He toe-poked the second one in which looked a simple finish but some forwards wouldn’t see that.”

The duo were joined on the score-sheet by Terrell Egbri.

But Fagan was still not completely satisfied with the performance.

“It’s good to get a win but I was a bit disappointed with the first half,” said Fagan.

“We didn’t start well but it was much better towards the end of the first half and the second half showed more of what we’re about.”

However, Fagan is still looking for improvements.

“We need to be switched on when we haven’t got the ball to make sure we’re secure at the back,” said Fagan.

“We could’ve conceded in the last minute and they’re the tiny bits of details we have to look at and what I’ll be mentioning before the next game.”

Despite the final score-line it was the Dons who opened the scoring with Dylan Asanganyi firing home in the 13th minute.

But Blues - who had both Harry Lennon and Layton Ndukwu in their starting line-up - equalised 12 minutes later when Acquah heading home Terrell Egbri's right wing cross.

Ndukwu then sent a shot against the left post before Acquah put the Shrimpers in front with another fine finish in the 33rd minute.

Moments later, Rush's fine pass from the right flank enabled Egbri to score from 10 yards and Lennon then twice came close to scoring with headers from Henry Burnett corners.

However, Blues did extend their lead before the break with Rush scoring a fine left footed shot after being set up by Acquah.

The second half was less eventful but Rush completed the scoring in the 72nd minute with Rush poking the ball into the left hand side of the net from 12 yards.

Southend United: Seaden, Howard, Mitchell-Nelson (Davis 75), Lennon, Osimeh, Egbri, Stewart, Burnett, Ndukwu (Kinali 69), Rush (Eastwood 85), Acquah (Batlokwa 76)