Southend United 3, Leyton Orient 0 A WEEK of turmoil for Southend United ended in triumph — thanks to Lee Barnard.

The in-form striker netted a hat-trick to help the Shrimpers see off local rivals Leyton Orient 3-0 at Roots Hall on Friday night.

And the trio of goals put smiles back onto the faces of his side’s supporters after a difficult few days.

In the build up to the encounter, Blues fans had been angered by the handling of Alex Revell’s loan switch to Swindon Town and revelations concerning the club’s financial situation.

But for 90 minutes those troubles were forgotten as Barnard made it seven goals in eight games for the season.