Walsall's young striker Ishmel Demontagnac scored a superb hat-trick to help them to a thumping home win.

Marco Reich gave them the lead with a blistering angled drive but Southend equalised with a low drive from Hal Robson-Kanu from Lee Barnard's pass.

Southend's Anthony Grant headed past his own keeper and another defensive howler saw Demontagnac make it 3-1.

He then added a flying header and then notched with a remarkable cross-shot before Barnard grabbed his second.

Walsall: Ince, Palmer, Boertien, Roberts (Smith 46), Gerrard, Deeney, Hughes (Bradley 74), Taundry, Demontagnac, Reich, Ibehre (Nicholls 83).
Subs Not Used: Gilmartin, Zaaboub.

Booked: Demontagnac.

Goals: Reich 23, Grant 48 og, Demontagnac 50, 69, 84.

Booked: Sawyer.

Goals: Robson-Kanu 33, Barnard 87.

Att: 3,843.

Ref: Anthony Taylor (Greater Manchester).