SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown felt the Shrimpers were forced to grind out their 1-0 win against Blackpool on Saturday.

Adam Thompson's 74th minute header bagged Blues all three points in blustery conditions at Roots Hall.

But Brown admitted his side had been forced to dig deep to secure all three points.

"If you were to sum this game up I think you would have to say it was a grind more than anything else," said the 56-year-old.

"The weather conditions weren't conducive to a good game of football but we did try and play some.

"In the second half the majority of the game was played to the left hand side of the dug-out.

"We got a head of steam going but then it went flat before we got going again.

"We kept on going though and knocked at the door until it eventually opened."

Thompson proved to be the unlikely goalscoring hero after the centre-back nodded home a fine left wing cross from David Worrall.

And Brown was delighted to see the fit again defender get onto the score-sheet after recovering from the dislocated shoulder which kept him out of the team for seven months.

"It was an heroic goal from Tommo," said the Shrimpers boss.

"He read a pass into their striker and off he went.

"He continued his way forward and got the winning goal which I'm delighted about.

"He had been on the sidelines injured for six or seven months and had done non-stop hard work in the gym and on the pitch. "He wanted to prove himself at this level and he's slowly and surely doing that."

Thompson's goal, which was his first for the club, moved Blues upto 10th in the League One table.

And it also set them up nicely for tomorrow's trip to Oldham Athletic.

"It's the start of a big week for us," said Brown.

"We're going to Oldham with renewed confidence now and we're looking forward to it."