Chris Powell hails Theo Robinson after his treble helps Southend thump MK Dons

Posted Sunday, April 22, 2018 by PA

Southend manager Chris Powell heaped praise on hat-trick hero Theo Robinson following the 4-0 win over MK Dons.

Robinson became Southend’s first player in six years to score three goals in a game.

Powell is starting to wish he had selected the 29-year-old sooner into his reign at Roots Hall.

He said: “Theo’s a finisher and he’s always in the right place but sometimes I look at him and wonder if I should’ve played him earlier.

“It was a good performance and I was very pleased for Theo.

“The fans couldn’t have asked for much more but I would’ve been happy with an ugly 1-0 win if I’m honest.

“I’m pleased we’ve bounced back from last week’s defeat at Oxford and the way it’s going at the moment I wish we could play all of our games at Roots Hall.

“No matter who we’re playing we fancy our chances here and this is another good win.

“I might ring Oldham and Bradford now and see if we can play them here instead.”

Southend’s win heaped more misery on the second-from-bottom Dons, who are now six points from safety with three games to go.

The visitors never looked like troubling their hosts.

Powell’s side opened the scoring after 23 minutes when Robinson fired home after Dons goalkeeper Wieger Sietsma parried a powerful shot from Dru Yearwood.

Robinson was celebrating again in the 31st minute when he curled home a delightful effort from the left-hand side of the penalty area.

Dons striker Chucks Aneke wasted a fine chance to get his side back in to the game when he fired wide of the left post from 12 yards.

Southend were able to take full advantage with Stephen McLaughlin heading home a left-wing free-kick from Michael Kightly in the 62nd minute.

The hosts wrapped up the scoring in the 76th minute with Robinson powering home from close range to complete his hat-trick before Shrimpers goalkeeper Mark Oxley pulled out a stunning double save late on as he denied Aneke and Kieran Agard in quick succession.

Dons boss Dan Micciche is refusing to give up hope of survival.

He said: “We’ll keep going, because we owe that to the club and our supporters.

“I apologised to them after the game for that performance but I don’t think I’m out of my depth. I was nominated for manager of the month two weeks ago.

“It’s up and down, highs and lows. Any manager anywhere will go through difficult times but I think I know what it takes to turn this around, whether it’s this season or next.

“But until it’s mathematically impossible, anything is possible.”