SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown hailed the contributions of both Luke Prosser and Kevan Hurst following Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Rochdale at Roots Hall.

Prosser made a miraculous double goal-line clearance when the Shrimpers were 1-0 down before Hurst brilliantly brought them back level with a well struck shot.

And Brown felt both of those contributions were key in Southend securing a share of the spoils.

“I think it came down to two moments of the match making sure we got the draw,” said Brown.

“It was great determination from Luke to keep out both of the shots and then it was another moment of magic from Kevan.

“He seems to keep on finding them at the moment and that goal for me was up there with the best he’s scored this season.

“He’s now scored eight for the season in less than 20 games and he’s been doing very well indeed.

“Luke has also grown up quickly and now understands his role at the back so I’ve been pleased with both of them.”

However, Brown is now sweating on the fitness of Prosser after he was forced to come off at half-time after suffering concussion in the first 45 minutes.

The centre-back was sick on the pitch and at half-time and Brown is not sure if he will be available for the Boxing Day clash at AFC Wimbledon.

“Luke wanted to stay on but we had to be sensible and he will be having a lot of tests this week,” said Brown.

“He was very brave putting his head in to stop their player scoring but Mark Phillips came on and I thought he really put a marker down with the way he played.”

But Blues were unable to find a winning goal and Brown felt a draw was a fair reflection of the game.

“We can play better than we did out but I give Rochdale credit for that and I think a point apiece was about right,” said Brown.

“Both teams could’ve won it but we never seemed to get on a roll.

“The effort was there but one or two of our players were lacking confidence and starting playing in the wrong kind of areas.

“We will need to do better when we go to AFC Wimbledon on Boxing Day and that’s also going to be a very difficult game.”