DAVID Worrall’s third goal in five games secured Southend United a 1-0 win against Hartlepool at Roots Hall this afternoon.

The lively winger fired home the game’s only goal midway through the second half.

And that ensured the Shrimpers immediately bounced back from last weekend’s shock FA Cup defeat to Conference club Chester.

Blues were well worth the win and began brightly with Worrall cutting in off the left flank and having a drilled low shot smothered at the near post by Hartlepool goalkeeper Scott Flinders.

Moments later, Flinders easily gathered a curling 20 yard shot from Barry Corr before the shot-stopper comfortably gathered Kevan Hurst’s header from Worrall’s left wing cross.

But, having survived the scares, Hartlepool soon hit back with Nicky Featherstone having a powerful low shot impressively kept out by Daniel Bentley down to his left hand side.

With Hartlepool continuing to attack, Jonathan Franks then fired inches over from long range.

But, with play soon switching to the other end of the field, Adam Thompson fired over from an acute angle on the stroke of half-time after Hurst free-kick from the right flank had fallen in to his path.

After the break, the Shrimpers threatened first with Michael Timlin having a well struck 25 yard shot impressively kept out by Flinders However, Hartlepool were not to be let off for long as Phil Brown’s side broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, with Worrall again on target.

The in-form winger picked the ball up 10 yards inside the Hartlepool half before charging forward and firing home a low, left footed shot from 12 yards.

Hartlepool immediately replied with Charlie Wyke having a powerfully struck 25 yard shot tipped wide of the left post by Bentley before Bradley Walker fired inches wide of the left post.

But the Shrimpers comfortably held on after that to secure a morale boosting return to winning ways.