SOUTHEND United surged back to winning ways with an impressive 3-1 triumph against Millwall at Roots Hall this afternoon.

Goals from David Mooney, Stephen McLaughlin and Luke O’Neill saw the Shrimpers secure their first home success of the League One season.

And the spirited showing was in complete contrast to last weekend’s 4-0 defeat at Scunthorpe United.

Despite the final score-line, it was the Lions – managed by former Blues striker Neil Harris – who threatened first when Mahlon Romeo saw a low, left footed shot smartly saved by the recalled Blues goalkeeper Mark Oxley.

But, just three minutes later, the Shrimpers broke the deadlock, with Mooney on target for the first time in the league this season.

The former Leyton Orient forward was picked out by a low, left wing cross from Jermaine McGlashan and, after controlling the ball, he turned sharply to fire home a deflected eight yard shot.

Blues continued to fight hard after going in front but Millwall levelled the scores in the 33rd minute when Aidan O’Brien poked the ball home from close range after reacting sharply in the penalty area.

But, shortly after the equaliser, the Lions were extremely fortunate to avoid being reduced to 10 men when Joe Martin, who had already been booked for a terrible challenge on McGlashan, hauled Mooney to the floor.

A second booking seemed a foregone conclusion but referee Graham Salisbury stunned both sets of fans by letting the foul go unpunished.

Millwall boss Neil Harris immediately took Martin off and the Shrimpers soon came close to regaining the lead when McGlashan’s volley was parried away by Lions goalkeeper Jordan Archer.

However, Southend were not to be denied for long and, five minutes after the break, they went back in front with McLaughlin on target for the fourth time this season.

The Irishman neatly brought the ball down after a half cleared right wing corner from Jason Demetriou and sent a controlled right footed half volley high into the top left hand corner of the net.

But, after firing Blues back in front, McLaughlin soon picked up an injury and eventually limped off in the 72nd minute to be replaced by Luke O’Neill.

And it was O’Neill who completed the scoring three minutes from time when he netted at the far post from a narrow angle after Archer had only parried a deflected left wing cross from Ben Coker.