SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown hailed the impact of his substitutes following his side’s dramatic 1-0 win at Burton Albion on Saturday.

Freddy Eastwood came off the bench to net the only goal of the game in stoppage time.

But Brown also felt the introductions of Jack Payne and Anthony Straker helped the Shrimpers come out on top at the Pirelli Stadium.

“Freddy got a fantastic goal to win us at the game at the end but I thought when Jack came on he helped to increase the tempo we were playing at,” said Brown.

“He wasn’t really playing in his right position (centre midfield), but he wants the ball and he makes things happen.

“And funnily enough it was probably the change that was forced upon us, when Anthony Straker came on for Rob Kiernan who cramped up, that won us the game.

"I have no idea what formation we were actually playing at that point but with Straker coming on, Ben Coker was able to push on and give us some width which we had been lacking down that left hand side.”

That helped Blues come out on top against a Burton side who played the entire second half with 10 men after having striker Billy Kee sent off, after being shown two yellow cards, on the stroke of half-time.

However, Brown was again keen to point out how tough it can be playing against 10 men and also admitted the Shrimpers had luck on their side against the Brewers.

“We saw when we had 10 men at Hartlepool that it can be difficult but it was all about patience and persistence and it paid off for us right at the end,” said Brown.

“I’m really pleased because it’s now four league games unbeaten, two away wins in a row and two clean sheets.

“Burton made it hard for us in the second-half and we just lacked a bit of urgency in our game. They had their one chance that hit the post, but thankfully lady luck was with us and we came out on top.”

Blues now sit 10th in the League Two table and host second placed Fleetwood Town at Roots Hall this Friday.