Chris Powell happy after Southend return to winning ways against Accrington

Posted Sunday, December 16, 2018 by PA

Southend manager Chris Powell was back in positive spirits following his side’s 3-0 win against Accrington at Roots Hall.

The injury-hit Shrimpers headed into the clash on the back of five defeats in their last six league games.

Powell was delighted to return to winning ways as Southend moved back into the top half of the table.

“It’s three points, three goals and a clean sheet to move up the table so it’s been a positive afternoon for us,” said Powell.

“I’m pleased because we’ve trained well all week and there was a real focus and determination in the group to turn around what’s been a tough run.

“It’s a good result but we need to try and keep that consistency now and back this up.

“Everyone knows it’s tough for us and we have four fit defenders right now.

“But the boys dug in and did well to get the result we needed.”

Accrington came into the game bottom of League One’s form table for the last six games, with the Shrimpers immediately above them after their own poor run.

But the visitors began brightly with Billy Kee, Sam Finley and Offrande Zanzala all wasting chances to score early on.

However, Southend fought back to break the deadlock in the 19th minute with skipper Sam Mantom firing home the rebound after Simon Cox had seen his shot pushed out by Stanley goalkeeper Connor Ripley for his fourth goal in his last seven games.

Southend then doubled their lead in the 23rd minute through Cox.

The Shrimpers wrapped up their win in the 72nd minute, with Cox playing in the recalled Theo Robinson who beat Ripley with an assured finish from the edge of the penalty area.

And Stanley boss John Coleman, whose side have slipped to 14th in the standings after seven league games without a victory, felt Southend were worthy winners.

“We got what we deserved if I’m honest,” said Coleman.

“We are in a muddle where the ball won’t go in the net at one end but it will go into our net at the other end.

“If you don’t put chances away then you get punished and we must have made at least 12 chances but couldn’t take advantage.

“I don’t think we defended well at times but when you give away soft goals it makes it difficult.

“We’ve got to work hard on our finishing and turn that into goals but I don’t think there is too much wrong.”