BEN Coker’s first goal in 13 months secured Southend United s 2-1 win against Scunthorpe United at Roots Hall this afternoon.

The fit again Shrimpers full-back fired home a powerful effort 15 minutes from time to make it back to back wins for Phil Brown’s side.

But Blues were made to work hard for the victory and were also forced to come from behind to secure all three points after Scunthorpe, who have still not won away from home since January, went in front after just eight minutes.

The Shrimpers were guilty of some hesitant defending before Luke O’Neill’s attempted clearance was latched upon by Gary McSheffrey who teed the ball up nicely before firing an impressive half volley into the bottom right hand corner of the net from 25 yards.

In reply, Blues soon pushed for an equaliser with David Worrall sending a low, long range shot straight at Scunthorpe goalkeeper Luke Daniels before Ryan Leonard fired into the side-netting from after bursting into the box.

But, with 36 minutes on the clock, the Shrimpers were able to draw back level with a well worked goal from skipper Michael Timlin.

The equalising effort was brilliantly created by Coker who swapped passes with Worrall down the left flank before brilliantly beating Jordan Clarke and teeing up Timlin who fired a low, left footed shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net from 18 yards.

However, the visitors almost regained the lead right on the stroke of half-time when a loose pass from Joe Pigott reached Paddy Madden who volleyed against the inside of the right post before the Shrimpers were able to scramble the rebound to safety.

Scunthorpe again went close to scoring 10 minutes in to the second half when substitute Kevin Van Veen unleashed a well struck 20 yard shot which Blues’ goalkeeper Daniel Bentley brilliantly parried to safety.

Moments after the near miss and, with 58 minutes on the clock, Southend made their first change of the afternoon with Noel Hunt replacing Pigott in attack.

However, goalscoring chances remained few and far between until Blues momentarily threatened when Timlin saw a long range effort smothered by Daniels in the 69th minute.

But, six minutes later, the Shrimpers went in front, with Coker on target for the first time this season.

The fit again full-back burst into the left hand side of the penalty area and fired an unstoppable left footed shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

The effort secured all three points for the hosts who could have extended their lead right at the death when Mooney was denied by Daniels.