BOSS RUSK IS A HAPPY HATTER!

STOCKPORT County boss Simon Rusk hailed the character of his side after inflicting a first-ever NonLeague defeat on Southend United.

- Jason Creasey

SOUTHEND UTD 0

STOCKPORT CO 1

John Rooney’s 16th-minute effort handed the Hatters their first victory of the season at Roots Hall.

And Rusk was delighted with the determined display.

“We had to show lots of character,” he said. “We’ve had a few things go against us the last few weeks and we’re still missing some big players who don’t quite match fit.

“It’s not as straightforward as it always appears and we knew we would have to dig deep. But the way we defended meant we deserved the win and I’m really pleased for the players.”

The victory also saw highly-fancied Stockport bounce back from their shock opening day defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge.