A JUBILANT Phil Brown insisted he felt like buying all Southend United’s travelling supporters a drink following last night’s 2-1 win at Shrewsbury Town.

Stephen Hendrie bagged the winner for Blues 11 minutes from time after Brown’s side had already been reduced to 10 men following a red card for substitute Michael Timlin.

And Brown, whose side now sit seventh in the League One table, could not contain his delight at the final whistle.

“To win here and to get the second goal with 10 men is just fantastic,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“The team showed real character, grit, determination and we kept on going right until the end.

“The players kept that belief and I’m so happy for our 231 fans that have come here to cheer us on.

“You have to be a real club stalwart to come to a freezing cold Shrewsbury on a Tuesday night in the middle of winter to cheer on your team.

“But the way I’m feeling at the moment I would buy them all a drink if I could.”

Blues went in front midway through the first half when Will Atkinson fired home from long range but Andy Mangan equalised for the hosts just after half-time.

And, despite coming back to secure all three points, Brown felt the Shrimpers were not at their best.

“I thought it was an uncharacteristic display from us really and we had to dig it out,” said Brown.

“It was never pretty but we showed great character to get the result.”

Hendrie’s goal came after excellent approach play from substitute Jamar Loza who, along with Sam McQueen, impressed in the closing stages.

And Brown felt the duo played a key part in the victory.

“The pace that Sam and Jamar have frightens the life out of defenders,” said the 56-year-old.

“Their fresh legs won the game for us in the end and I always thought fatigue would play a part in the game.

“Shrewsbury scored a 97th minute winner against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend while we didn’t have a game so I think we caught them at a good time.”