Southend United's Chris Barker happy with three points on his return to action against Dagenham & Redbridge (From Echo)

Southend United's Chris Barker happy with three points on his return to action against Dagenham & Redbridge

10:05pm Sunday 9th September 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

CHRIS Barker was a happy man after helping Southend United see off Dagenham & Redbridge 3-1 on his return to the team on Saturday.

The Blues skipper had been on the bench for his side's last four matches.

And he was therefore delighted to be back in action against the Daggers, who played 82 minutes with just 10 men after Luke Wilkinson was sent off.

“I've been disappointed at not playing and have had to wait a few weeks to get another opportunity so it was pleasing to be involved again,” said Barker, 32.

“Being back at left-back was like a return to the golden days for me but I enjoyed it and, most of all, it was great to get the three points.

“That made it a very good week with three wins in a row and hopefully I can stay in the side to try and help keep the run going.”

Barker has fallen down the pecking order at the heart of the defence since the arrival of Ryan Cresswell during the summer.

But, with Luke Prosser picking up a calf problem in training just before Saturday's clash with the Daggers, Barker was given the nod over Anthony Straker at left-back.

And he felt Blues were well worthy of the win.

“It was a good three points and I felt we deserved it too,” said Barker.

“We got a bit sloppy in stages but it was roasting out there and the main thing was we were able to come out on top.”

That also delighted Southend manager Paul Sturrock and he was quick to heap praise on his team.

“It has been a good week for us with the results we've had and it’s nice to see we are starting to gel together and get things right,” said the Scotsman.

“Playing against 10 men can sometimes be like playing 12 men and it proved that way in the second half when we got sloppy and lazy.

“Again we have created an awful lot of chances and not taken them which will cost us dear in the future.

“But getting the result is the most important thing and I think in the end we shaded it chances wise.”