ADAM Thompson admitted his return to Southend United’s starting line-up could not have gone much better against Chesterfield on Saturday.

Thompson - who had been on the bench for the Shrimpers’ previous three league matches - bagged the only goal of the game at Roots Hall.

And the 24-year-old was delighted to fire Blues back to winning ways.

“It couldn’t really have gone any better for me or the team if I’m honest,” said Thompson.

“I got a goal on my return to the team and we got a clean sheet but what mattered most was the three points with where we are in the table at the moment.

“Chesterfield are in a similar position so it’s important to win these kind of games.”

The victory moved Southend out of the relegation zone and up to 19th in the League One standings.

And Thompson felt it was a deserved victory for Phil Brown’s side who have now won five of their last six home games.

“I thought we deserved the win and showed both sides of our game,” said Thompson.

“In the first half we played some great football as a team and in the second half we showed real grit and determination to get a clean sheet.

“Overall I thought it was a great team performance and we certainly gave the fans their money’s worth.”

Thompson also played a prominent part in lifting the spirits of the Shrimpers’ supporters.

But the defender was not shocked by his inclusion in the back four.

“I wasn’t surprised to be recalled because I felt I had been doing well in the team and was disappointed to get dropped in the first place,” said Thompson, who lost his place in the side after a 4-0 defeat at Northampton Town towards the end of September.

“I wanted to get back in as quickly as I could and hopefully I’ve done enough to keep my place now.”

Thompson defended well to help Blues keep their first clean sheet in 10 league games.

And he was also happy to net an impressive half volley in the first half.

“I just closed my eyes and stuck my leg out and luckily it went in,” laughed Thompson.

“Us centre-backs haven’t really been scoring enough goals so far this season and we need to chip in with a few more.

“I was happy to score because my dad had been giving me a bit of stick after he got a goal for his Sunday League side last weekend.

“It’s 1-1 with us now and I want to try and get a few more goals if I can.”

Thompson’s next chance to net is likely to come at high-flying Bradford City tomorrow night.

And the defender is desperate for the Shrimpers to sort out their away form.

“The main thing that is hurting us at the moment are the games away from home and we have to improve that,” said Thompson.

“Even if we got a few draws we could get right up the table as our home form has been excellent.”