SOUTHEND United’s Matt Rush continued his fine spell of form by bagging a brace in the under 23 team’s 2-1 win at Plymouth Argyle this afternoon.

Rush - who was on the bench for the first team at the weekend -scored both of the Shrimpers’ goals in a hard-fought victory.

And coach Craig Fagan was happy to see the striker on target.

“It’s been a great few days for Rushy and he took his goals well,” said Fagan.

“He scored a hat-trick on loan for Harlow, he was on the bench with the first team for the first time on Saturday and he’s got another two goals here so he’s been doing well.”

Rush was joined in attack by the fit-again Tom Hopper who played 65 minutes in attack as he continues his comeback from a long-term knee injury.

And Fagan felt Hopper set a great example to those around him.

“He played 65 minutes but the way Tom conducts himself and works is a fantastic example for the young players,” said Fagan.

“He looked much sharper than the game last week when he got carried away in the first 10 minutes.

"He looked like he had more in his legs this time and could probably have played for longer if needed.

"He also linked up well with Rushy and flicked a few headers onto him so it worked well up there.”

And that made it a worthwhile long journey for Blues.

“We did it properly and went the day before,” said Fagan.

“These are the type of things the boys need to get used to.”

Blues Seaden, Howard, Taylor, Mitchell-Nelson, Clifford, Egbri, Stewart, Phillips, Kinali, Rush, Hopper.