Wimbledon demonstrated the gulf in class betwen the First and Third Divisions with a thumping win at Roots Hall in the first round of the Worthington Cup.

After a tight first half the visitors went ahead in stoppage time through Norwegian midfielder Trond Andersen.

And in the second half the Dons powered away to a convincing victory.

Two goals in as many minutes midway through the second half put Wimbledon firmly in control.

The first was a volley from Tapp in the 66th minute, and it was quickly followed by an 18-yard strike from Neil Shipperley.

Southend gained a consolation goal through Mark Rawle, but it was Wimbledon who had the final say.

With only seconds remaining, Shipperley took full advantage of an error from Phil Whelan to claim his sixth goal of the season.

Southend: Flahavan, Beard, Searle, Cort, Broad, Bramble, Maher, Smith, Jenkins, Jones, Rawle. Subs: Gay, Maye, Belgrave, Whelan, Clark.

Wimbledon: Davis, Holloway, Hawkins, Leigertwood, Gier, Ainsworth, Francis, Andersen, Tapp, Shipperley, Gray. Subs: Heald, Willmott, Nowland, Darlington, Reo-Coker.

Referee: S Tomlin (E Sussex)