SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown hailed his side’s fighting spirit after they dug deep to secure a terrific 3-2 triumph at Oxford United.

Blues fought back from 2-1 down to claim all three points at the Kassam Stadium, despite having midfielder Gary Deegan sent off in the first half.

And Brown felt the Shrimpers’ spirit was the main reason for the success.

“This was a victory really born out of team spirit,” said the Blues boss.

“We showed great character and determination and I’m delighted for the players they all put their bodies on the line to make we came out on top.”

But that only happened after Brown had told his players not to feel sorry themselves.

The Shrimpers were a man and 2-1 down at the break.

However, the Blues boss still felt Southend could get something from the game.

“I said to them if you think you’re beaten then we are, if you think we’re up against it then we are and if you think we have a disadvantage then we do but none of them did any of that,” stressed Brown.

“We played as well as we could and we defended like men possessed at the end.

“I’ve certainly got some delighted players in that dressing room.”