Niall Quinn's disastrous start to his managerial career at Sunderland reached crisis point as a brace from Adam Barrett and Lee Bradbury's late strike gave newly-promoted Southend a thumping 3-1 victory.

The Black Cats slumped to a fourth defeat since new chairman Quinn installed himself as manager against a side who were two divisions below them last season, and are now the foot of the table without a point to their name.

Barrett headed the Shrimpers into the lead on the stroke of half-time, doubled their advantage midway through the second half and Bradbury struck a third before a Jon Stead hit a late consolation at the end of another frustrating display from a Sunderland side yet to shake off the losing habit following last season's relegation.