Southend United manager Phil Brown: Patience key to win at AFC Wimbledon

Cauley Woodrow's 76th minute header secured the Shrimpers all three points at the Kingsmeadiow Stadium.

But Blues were forced to wait for their winner despite having an extra man in the second half after Dons winger George Francomb was sent off for a strong challenge on Rob Kiernan in the 41st minute of the match.

And Brown was pleased by how his players reacted to the situation.

“I think staying patient was key in the end for us but Wimbledon made it very hard for us indeed,” said Brown.

“I think they were fired up by what I thought was probably something of an injustice because the challenge the lad made could easily have been a yellow card.

“The assistant got involved like has often been the case this season and I'll certainly take that little bit of luck, especially as we've had the same go against us already.

"Our fans behind the dug-out were getting slightly inpatient and maybe some of the lads tried to force things too quickly at times.

"But we kept on going and got the reward with Cauley's goal towards the end."

Woodrow bagged his goal after coming off the bench.

And Brown also hailed the impact made by his substitutes as they helped the Shrimpers return to winning ways after two games without a victory.

“I said to the players before the game that it wasn't just the first half team who would win the game, it would also be the second,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“Ryan Leonard and Barry Corr were obviously disappointed to come off but Cauley came on to get what I thought was a fantastic goal fit to win any match.”

Woodrow's effort was created by John White who delivered an excellent right wing cross in to the path of the young striker.

And Brown feels White can become a real threat going forward.

“I think John is one of the best crossers of the ball we have in our squad,” said Brown.

“I keep telling him to get more deliveries in to the box and fortunately he was able to do that today because it proved decisive.”