SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell hailed his side as terrific following tonight’s 3-0 win at Oldham Athletic.

A second half brace from Simon Cox and an early effort from Theo Robinson secured the Shrimpers all three points at Boundary Park.

And Powell was full of praise for the performance which also saw Blues score in the second half of an away game for the first time since September.

“I’ve been tossing and turning not only about the blinking marathon but getting rid of that stat about scoring in the second half of an away game so I’m very pleased now,” said Powell.

“It was a terrific all round performance from my team.

“They showed attacking prowess and defensive qualities and even at 3-0 we were putting our bodies in front of shots.

“Mark Oxley made a couple of key saves too and I’m really chuffed for the fans who haven’t seen us win away since Peterborough.

“It takes a special kind of fan to come all this way, get home at 3am and go to work again tomorrow.

“I was up at six and are fans may have taken a half day or a day off so I’m really pleased with the win.

“This one is for them and the fans back in Essex too.”

Robinson, who netted a hat-trick in Saturday’s 4-0 win against MK Dons, fired Blues in front against the Latics.

And he was then joined on the score-sheet by Cox who netted twice in quick succession, much to the delight of Powell.

“I knew Coxy would be chomping at the bit again and I’m pleased for him, “said the Blues boss.

“He got a rest on Saturday and I wanted to look at something different.

“But I knew with a three game week that I would have to freshen it up and I might have to again at Bradford because a few of them were dead at their feet at the end.

“However, this has been a good night.”

And Powell was also pleased to hand young midfielder Lewis Gard his first team debut late on.

“To get Lewis Gard on at the end is great for us and our academy,” said Powell.

“We’re producing players and I’m playing them.”