ANDY Whing and Ryan Clarke played their first games of the season as Oxford United's development side came from behind to win 2-1 against Southend United.

Whing lasted just over an hour on his return from groin surgery, while Clarke, who had a foot operation in the summer, played the full 90 minutes.

Virtually the goalkeeper's first act was to pick the ball out of his net, when Southend took the lead through Jack Bridge on 13 minutes despite a suspicion of offside.

The advantage lasted just five minutes, with Sam Long tapping in after a run and pass from the impressive Josh Ashby.

Sam Humphreys and James Roberts came close to putting the hosts in front, before they went ahead six minutes before the break.

Again Ashby was the provider, collecting Humphreys' short corner and crossing for Josh Shama to head in off the crossbar.

Roberts came closest to extending the lead after half-time, forcing a smart save after Ashby's through ball.

Clarke had little to do, but was forced into an athletic save late on as the visitors ended the game strongly.

That, and an excellent header off the line by Long, ensured the home side finished on top.

Oxford Utd: Clarke, Hunt, Long, Grant, Meades, Ashby, Whing (Hayden 62), Hawtin (Welch-Hayes 75), Shama (George 67), Humphreys, Roberts.

Unused subs: Stevens, Cundy.