SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown felt his side made Saturday's 3-2 win at York City harder than it needed to be.

The Shrimpers endured a nervy ending to the game at Bootham Crescent as the Minstermen attempted to salvage a late share of the spoils.

But Brown insisted Blues should already have been out of sight.

“It was a hard earned win but only because of the way we did it,” said the 55-year-old.

“I don't think York caused us too many problems, I think we caused them ourselves.

“The corner for their first goal was avoidable and we then let one of their guys run free to help them score.

“For the second goal we should have done more to prevent the cross and it should have been defended better at the back post too.

“However, the average age of our team is something like 22.7 or 22.8 and they will learn from this.

“I actually think this week will go a long way in them learning their trade.”

Despite those difficulties, Blues were still able to come out on top, largely down to another excellent attacking display from Jack Payne.

The young midfielder had a hand in all three of the Shrimpers' goal.

And Brown was full of praise for his performance.

“Jack Payne had a role to do and he certainly did it,” said the Blues boss.

“Everyone has been asking just what is his best position and I think we've found it.

“He needs to be at the hub of things in the centre of the park.

“He's a little magician and when he sees a big centre-back he looks at the whites of their eyes and just says I'm having you.

“He did that for the penalty and it was good to see him want to take it as well.

“Jack also did very well to score what proved to be the winning goal.”

Payne's impressive effort, which came 12 minutes from time, made sure of a third successive win for the Shrimpers.

And Brown now wants to keep the good run going when Blues host Shrewsbury Town at Roots Hall this weekend.

“It's been a great week for us but we need to compound it against Shrewsbury now,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“The punters who travelled to York were magnificent and I heard them right the way through.

“Hopefully it will be the same on Saturday and we can get another good result.”