SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown admitted his side were fortunate to see off York City 1-0 at Roots Hall on Saturday.

Shaq Coulthirst’s late penalty secured all three points for the Shrimpers.

But the striker’s spot-kick came after York had wasted a number of their own opportunities.

And Brown felt Blues did not deserve to take the three points.

“I like to think I’m quite honest after games and I would say York deserved to win the game not us,” said the Southend chief.

“York showed what a decent side they are and I find it unbelievable that they are third from bottom in the table.

“We really had to grind it out and I would say it’s the first time since I’ve been here that we’ve played ugly and won.

“The performance wasn’t acceptable but the result was fantastic and that’s the most important thing.”

The victory was the Shrimpers’ third in succession and kept them fifth in the League Two table.

But the narrow win was achieved despite Blues having a number of players off form.

“Too many of our lads had below par games and it was epitomised by Dan Bentley if I’m honest,” said Brown.

“He doesn’t normally make mistakes but he spilt what seemed a simple catch and we had to scramble the ball clear.

“We got lucky and I thought it was going to be 0-0 again until we got the late winner.”

Blues’ decisive goal came just two minutes from time when Coulthirst cooly converted a penalty.

And Brown was full of praise for the on loan Tottenham Hotspur front man.

“Shaq came on with real verve and had that excitement you need from a striker,” said the 55-year-old.

“Even before the penalty he had one or two half chances and it was great for him to score. He’s always out there after training practising penalties, along with Jack Payne and he had the desire to take this one when it was given.

“He also showed he had real bottle too.”

Jack Payne practises penalties and so does Shaq. He had that desire and he showed he had the bottle too. “