MAHER'S MEN CONTINUE TO RISE AGAINST ALL THE ODDS

SOUTHEND United fought back to beat table-topping Chester field at Roots Hall – despite only being able to select two substitutes.

- Jason Creasey

The depleted Shrimpers even tried to get the game postponed due to their lack of players.

But a crowd of more than 8,000 supporters saw the Shrimpers come from a goal down to record a remarkable success which boss Kevin Maher labelled as ‘incredible’.

“All credit to the players,” said Maher. “Off a defeat last week, coming into playing the league leaders at home and with them taking the lead as well for the team to turn it round and to win the game is incredible.

“The performance from everyone meant it was fully deserved too.

“I always knew we would play with energy and intensity but Chesterfield are a top team.

“We had two subs today and you knew when it got to 60 minutes and they’re bringing subs on that’s going to be a problem.

“But the players stood up to it and played really well.

“We kept plugging away and kept on pushing.