PHIL Brown hopes Southend United’s 2-0 win against Portsmouth can kick start their season.

Second half goals from Barry Corr and Shaq Coulthirst ensured the Shrimpers ended a run of five matches without a victory.

And boss Brown is now keen to build on the triumph.

“Hopefully this win can kick start our season,” said the Blues chief.

“It’s a massive week for us with three massive games and nine points to play for.

“We can now go in to the next of the matches, at Cheltenham tomorrow, buoyed by a good result and performance.

“It was a hard-fought win for sure.

“But, against Portsmouth you’re always going to be guaranteed a big game and that’s what it was today. “ The win also delighted Southend’s supporters.

A crowd of more than 7,000 saw Blues come out on top.

And Brown also felt the fans were pivotal in his side getting back on track.

“When the fans get behind the team, the players respond and that’s exactly what happened here,” said the 55-year-old.

“Portsmouth had 1,500 supporters turn up and it made it a great atmosphere and the stadium was rocking.”

That made for a special debut for Blues new boy Jerome Binnom-Williams.

The left-back signed on loan from Crystal Palace last week after Ben Coker suffered an elbow injury.

And Brown was delighted by Binnom-Williams’ first appearance.

“The young left-back made a good start and he will remember it for the rest of his life,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“The clean sheet made his debut even more memorable and he played his part in that.

“He’s a young lad with lots to learn but he gets involved in things, he break things up and once he opens up it can be like watching Usain Bolt on that wing.”