Sam Austin scored on his Southend debut as the Shrimpers started their National League campaign with a 3-0 victory at Gateshead.
The Shrimpers forced Gateshead goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks into a save in the opening seconds and needed just three minutes to take a lead they never looked like relinquishing.
Josh Walker's shot came off a post and Austin clinically tucked home the rebound.
Austin then turned provider as he teed up Walker to fire home Southend's second eight minutes after the interval.
And Charley Kendall lobbed a stranded Brooks three minutes later to wrap up a dominant victory.
Match report supplied by PA Media.
Kevin Maher feels Southend players did a professional job (BBC Essex Sport)
