TO expect the unexpected has long been the mantra when watching Southend United.

But even by the Shrimpers’ standards Saturday’s 3-1 win against Millwall at Roots Hall was rather remarkable.

Heading into the clash, Blues had triumphed just once in seven League games this season and the previous weekend had seen them produce a horror show of a performance when crashing to a 4-0 defeat at Scunthorpe United.

The dire display was severely lacking in character and, in some areas, effort.

However, fast forward just seven days and everything missing from the setback at Scunthorpe was back in abundance against a Millwall side expected to be challenging for promotion once again this season.

Right from the very first whistle, Blues battled, hussled and harried and work tirelessly all across the pitch.

The committed and courageous display lifted the Shrimpers crowd and resulted in the doom and gloom which had been gathering around Roots Hall finally being removed.

A new 3-4-3 formation also played a part in that happening and seemed to suit the players in their varying positions.

Jermaine McGlashan certainly seemed to thrive playing in his role on the right hand side and produced his best performance in a Southend shirt since signing in the summer.

Down the middle, David Mooney was another who gave his all and also popped up to score the crucial first goal of the game.

His strike handed the Shrimpers a huge lift and saw them grow in both confidence and belief after their recent struggles.

Mooney’s goal also saw him hit back at the Roots Hall boo-boys who had disgracefully barracked him when coming on as a second half substitute in a 2-0 defeat to Fleetwood Town just three weeks ago.

However, everyone was much happier at the weekend and it all centred on the side’s work ethic.

Playing in League One, it is widely accepted that Blues do not boast the biggest budget or the best squad and, will at times, be outclassed and outplayed.

But being outbattled – like against Scunthorpe – should never be tolerated.

Saturday showed just what the Shrimpers are capable of producing as they rallied to produce their best performance of the season so far.

However, that work-rate, passion, commitment and effort must now be consistently maintained if Blues are to continue to work their way up the League One table.

The win against Millwall lifted Phil Brown’s side out of the relegation zone and up to 20th in the standings.

However, their cause was certainly not helped by one of the worst refereeing displays at Roots Hall in recent times.

Quite how Lions left-back Joe Martin was not sent off just before the break only the man in the middle, Graham Salisbury, will know while several other decisions – against both sides – left onlookers scratching their heads in bemusement.

Ultimately, Salisbury’s sub-standard showing did not cost the Shrimpers as they secured a victory to lift the pressure which had been gathering on manager Phil Brown.

He now takes his team to Northampton Town before Oxford United and Peterborough both visit Roots Hall in quick succession.

Blues now need to be at their best in those winnable outings and use Saturday’s showing to kick-start their stuttering season.

Performing in big games – like Sheffield United and Bolton Wanderers away and Millwall at home – is fantastic but it means very little if it is not followed up by similar displays in the more mundane matches.

Blues still find themselves in a tricky situation and do continue to have problems which need to be rectified, including strength in depth in attack.

Despite those difficulties, Saturday was still the most welcome of wins and has now set the standard for the Shrimpers.

But, in the wonderful world of Southend United, who can be sure what to expect next week?