Rovers not protesting after Shrimpers charged over FA Youth Cup win

However, controversy after the match has seen the Shrimpers charged for fielding an ineligible player, although Rovers chairman Darren Whiley doesn’t believe the punishment was deserved.

He said: “Having spoken with Ricky Duncan, Southend’s manager the error did not affect the outcome of the game and as such Barton Rovers will not be appealing or protesting the result.

“Rewarding a youngster with 10 minutes play in the game where Southend were 5-1 up was something most managers would have done including us.

“We were beaten on the pitch fair and square by a far better team of full timers. The issue isn’t something we need to get involved with and we hope the FA see it that way to for the good of football.”

The game itself saw Barton, who had made the first round proper for the second time in three years, given a first half master class in football from the visitors

Rovers got off to the worst possible start and conceded two soft goals in the first 10 minutes whilst still rubbing the sleep from their eyes.

The young Blues looked bewildered by their far superior opponents and a further two goals after 16 and 24 minutes killed the game off before it had really got started.

Rio Da’Silva gave Barton a glimmer of hope on the half hour mark with a neat finish into the top corner before Southend added their fifth before the break.

Despite trailing, the fighting spirit in the Rovers camp was evident from the off in the second half as they matched Southend pass for pass and put in a tremendous effort to stop the rout.

Da’Silva came close to adding another and a fine save from visiting keeper Joshua Bexon denied the sprightly Kieran Reid from adding to Rovers single strike. Southend did get another with the final kick of the game as it ended 6-1 in Southend’s favour.