Echo
·26 Aug 2026
Southend United get off to poor start in Next Wave Championship
Southend United’s U23 side lost 4-1 away to Milton Keynes Dons in its opening Next Wave Championship fixture. MK Dons scored three times in a seven-minute spell through Alex Gilbey and a brace from Jack Perniskie before Jack Stone pulled one back just before half-time. Southend improved after switching to a back three and created several chances, but Rian Silver restored MK’s three-goal lead. Head coach Danny Heath said the young team showed character and would learn from facing more experienced opposition.