BEN Coker believes the team spirit at Southend United is the best he has experienced in his whole career.

The 24-year-old played an instrumental part in helping the Shrimpers record a 3-2 win at Oxford United on Saturday despite playing more than an hour with only 10 men.

And Coker, who made all three of Southend’s goals at the Kassam Stadium, insisted the fight-back would not have been possible without the good morale among the players.

“The spirit we have is the best I’ve ever known at any club throughout my career,” said the defender.

“Coming back like we did at the weekend showed that and it was a massive win for us.

“Everyone is still buzzing about it and it’s really given everyone a huge confidence boost.

“The win was one of the best I’ve ever experienced, especially since joining Southend.

“But now we need to make sure it’s a turning point in our season.”

Blues had midfielder Gary Deegan sent off midway through the first half against Oxford but were still able to come out on top, thanks to Coker’s crosses.

He teed up goals for David Worrall, Joe Pigott and Barry Corr and was delighted by his afternoon’s work.

“It was really pleasing to set up the goals and help us win the game,” said Coker.

“We had been working on our attacking play so it was great to see the lads finish off the moves.

“But it was a tough old slog and everyone really did put a shift in which was shown by Jack Payne getting back to clear one off the line.

“It was great to see but now we are going to have to go and work just has hard to get the result we want at Portsmouth on Saturday.”

Coker will again be looking to help the Shrimpers come out on top.

And his manager, Phil Brown, believes he has the talent to play higher than League Two.

“Ben is a real talent and he passes the ball like a player from a higher level,” said Brown.

“He I want him to play higher than League Two and he will but I want that to be with us. “