SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown praised his side's determination following their 2-1 win against Oxford United.

Anthony Wordsworth's second half penalty secured all three points for the Shrimpers at Roots Hall.

And Brown was happy to see Blues battle their way to a third successive home victory.

"We worked tirelessly," said Brown.

"Their goal came from a foul on my left-back which was disappointing and changed the mood of the game and the dressing room.

"But the players were digging deep again like they have in the last couple of weeks.

"Nobody wants to be where we are in the league table.

"This was all about desire and determination.

"I asked the players for work-rate and they provided it."

The victory moved the Shrimpers up to 19th in the League One standings.

Anthony Wordsworth bagged the winning goal from the penalty spot on his first start of the season.

And the midfielder's return to action after six months out injured also left Brown delighted.

"It’s been a frustrating time for us all and it must have been horrendous for him because I know what kind of talent he is," said Brown.

"It took a while to get to the bottom of what the problem actually was with his hamstring and he needed an operation to sort it in the end.

"But it's great to have him back because he's a big player for us and we saw his qualities out there again."

At the other end of the field, goalkeeper Mark Oxley also did well to deny Wes Thomas right at the death.

And Brown hopes the shot-stopper's improved display can help him fully settle in with the Shrimpers "The latter stages of the game were gung ho from Oxford but our goalkeeper was outstanding," said Brown.

"That’s what I brought him in for and I know full well what he can do.

"He’s come all the way down here after being in Scotland and has to settle in to a new club and a new area.

"Maybe this was just the settling in game he needed. "We know now what he’s capable of but we need to see it on a consistent basis."