Checkatrade Trophy Southern Group B Colchester United 2 Southend United 0 Colchester United claimed an Essex derby victory over rivals Southend United in their Checkatrade Trophy clash tonight, prevailing 2-0 at home.

The U’s took the lead after 39 minutes, when Frankie Kent headed home a long throw from Ryan Jackson.

And the home side extended their advantage shortly after the break, when striker Aaron Collins, on loan from Wolves, finished a fine move by sweeping the ball home on 49 minutes.

It was a game the U’s realistically needed to win to stay alive in Southern Group B of the Trophy, having lost to Southampton Under 21s in their first group clash.

The Saints youngsters were soundly beaten 4-0 by Cambridge United in the other game in the group tonight. The results leave all four teams with a win and a loss from their first two games, so there’s all to play for. The U’s travel to Cambridge on Tuesday, November 13.

John McGreal’s men return to League Two matters this Saturday, hosting Crawley.