Shrimpers firm in heat of battle

SOUTHEND kept their promotion dreams alive with a hard- fought victory over fellow play-off chasers Eastleigh.

- Harry Adams

First-half goals from Tom Hopper and Gus Scott-Mor-ris set the Shrimpers on their way to victory in front of a packed out away end. Tyrese Shade did halve the deficit for the hosts but they couldn’t find the equaliser despite a late onslaught.

“We started so well, and it gave a great base,” said Southend boss Kevin Maher. “The quality of our play makes it look as though we have a lot of energy. I thought we were very good and to go in at half-time at 2-0 was superb.

“When the opposition are pushing you have to de- fend your box, they began to ask questions so I was so pleased to see the game out.