Southend United manager Paul Sturrock heaps praise on team after Johnstone's Paint Trophy win over Dagenham & Redbridge (From Echo)

Southend United manager Paul Sturrock heaps praise on team after Johnstone's Paint Trophy win over Dagenham & Redbridge

12:03pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock heaped praise on his side following their 2-0 triumph over Dagenham & Redbridge in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Goals from Ryan Cresswell and Britt Assombalonga saw Blues brush aside the Daggers at Roots Hall on Tuesday night to reach the area quarter finals of the competition.

And Sturrock was pleased with a number of factors in the performance.

“In the first half I thought we played very, very well and we certainly deserved the win,” said Sturrock.

“You have to give credit to Dagenham for the second half as their three subs made a difference but we still had around the same number of chances.

“There were a number of pleasing aspects to the performance and I'm delighted we got a clean sheet and no bookings because that could have caused us a few problems.”

Blues picked up a clean sheet, despite centre-back Luke Prosser playing through the pain with a thigh strain.

And Sturrock was quick to praise the defender's display.

“Prosser played with a strain and that took a lot as he was in a lot of pain but he was magnificent and did all the right things,” said Sturrock.

“It is really important now that the players get rested and although we still have a problem in midfield we will try and address that this week before Saturday's game at Rotherham.”

The third round draw for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy will be made on Saturday morning, live on Sky Sports' Soccer AM show.

Blues could be drawn against Leyton Orient, Plymouth Argyle, Brentford, Oxford United, Northampton Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Torquay United or Yeovil Town who have yet to play their second round clash.