SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell was thrilled to see the Shrimpers record their first win of the season on Saturday – despite not thinking his team were at their best.

Second half headers from Tom Hopper and Simon Cox handed Blues a 2-0 triumph against Bradford City at Roots Hall.

But Powell felt Southend had performed better in their previous outings without picking up the points their performances had deserved.

“We’ve played better in the other two games and not won but we did enough and we showed our quality in the end,” said Powell.

“We started well and then I thought it went a bit flat.

“But I told them at half-time to just keep on doing the right things and to give each other a five or 10 per cent.

“I felt if we did that it would come and I’m really glad it did.

“I think everything had been a little bit on edge so it’s good to get the first win and clean sheet.

“The two strikers got the goals and that’s what they’re judged on so it’s been good all round and we’ve ticked off a lot of things.”

Blues were beaten 3-2 by Doncaster Rovers on the opening day of the season before drawing 1-1 at Plymouth Argyle.

But the Shrimpers were set on their way to beating Bradford with a well-taken effort from the impressive Hopper.

And Powell has been pleased with the impact made by his summer signing.

“Tom is a good player and he’s a striker the fans will really grow to like here,” said Powell.

“He works hard, he’s brave, his link up play is good and he gets in the box."

Hopper's strike partner Cox also hit the back of the net against the Bantams and that delighted Powell.

"It was good for Simon to get a goal because every striker wants to get off the mark as soon as they can," said the 48-year-old.

"You could see how much it increased his confidence because he started shooting from about 85 yards afterwards!”

The victory pushed Blues up to eighth in the early League One standings.

And the three points were secured despite a sickness bug hitting the squad.

"There's an illness going through the camp which is a bit of a shame," said Powell.

"We have to monitor all the players but there's not much time to recover at the moment.

"We will have to dig in and if we have to use fresh legs then so be it."

Blues head to newly promoted Luton Town on Tuesday night but Powell is confident goalkeeper Mark Oxley will be fine to figure despite the Shrimpers skipper appearing to suffer an injury late on against Bradford.

“The players are all laughing because Ox actually had cramp in both of his legs and they can’t work out how because goalkeepers don’t run,” smiled Powell.

“I’m sure he’ll be OK for Tuesday night."