IPSWICH Town boss Joe Royle took away a whole load of pluses as the Blues' red-hot firepower scuttled Southend, writes Derek Davis.Ian Westlake, Marcus Bent, Darren Bent and Pablo Counago hit back after Tes Bramble and Mark Gower gave Steve Wignall's side a surprise lead.

IPSWICH Town boss Joe Royle took away a whole load of pluses as the Blues' red-hot firepower scuttled Southend, writes Derek Davis.

Ian Westlake, Marcus Bent, Darren Bent and Pablo Counago hit back after Tes Bramble and Mark Gower gave Steve Wignall's side a surprise lead.

"It was nice to score four goals, we looked as if we had plenty of goals in us.

"There was a flurry from them early on and the slow pitch suited them.

"They are a bit further on than us in terms of fitness as they have been back a week longer.

"But as the game went on and we got on top we looked what we are, a couple of divisions ahead of them."

Overall it was a good night's work and although early days, Royle was happy enough with the all-round performance and result.

He said: "There were plenty of bonuses. Darren Bent was electric, Marcus and Ian scored terrific goals, Pablo headed in a great goal. I thought Antonio Murray was excellent, as was Gerard Nash and big Aidan Collins and Drissa.

"It was good to win and I thought we played some nice stuff as well."

And triallist Steve Towers from non-league Oadby Town impressed Royle, who is looking to find a place in his squad.

The 16-year-old will play in the reserves game at Framlingham tonight with a role in midfield.

Royle said: "He did very well and for one so young he knows the game very well.

"It is a case of seeking to make sure we don't double up too much in his position but we are certainly interested in him."

The only minus was going two goals behind, perhaps down to being caught cold following a two-hour delay in arriving due to traffic problems.

"I'm not bothered. It was mixed sides. If that had been our first-choice back four I might have been slightly perturbed but it was not and I'm not," added Royle.

"Lewis (Price) was caught cold for the first, he was a little nervous, but did very well after that."

Price was the only one who played the whole 90 minutes with Spaniard Javier Sanchez Broto on the bench.

Royle said: "He has not trained until coming here Tuesday. He will get some more training under his belt and will get a game in Sweden."

Dutch defender Fabian Wilnis stressed the importance was to blow the summer cobwebs away.

He said: "I really enjoyed it. Southend started better than us and seemed more ready but in the end it was clear we were of a higher standard than a Division Three side.

"I saw our first two goals which were outstanding and Pablo's was a good finish at the end.

"We still have plenty to do but the signs are encouraging."