THE pre-match talk ahead of Southend United’s clash with Chesterfield on Saturday focused on one of football’s most controversial figures.

But once the game got underway the attention immediately switched to another striker looking to resurrect his own career after enduring his own problems off the pitch.

On the eve of the game, Spireites striker Ched Evans made national headlines as he was acquitted of rape at a highly publicised retrial.

However, Evans was not at Roots Hall at the weekend as a foot injury kept him out of action.

Without the goal-getter, Chesterfield rarely threatened but – at the other of the field – Nile Ranger enjoyed an incredibly encouraging home debut for the Shrimpers.

Ranger’s career has been disrupted and, in truth, probably almost finished by a number of disciplinary problems.

The striker now finds himself in the last chance saloon with Blues but at the weekend he definitely made a big impression.

So far this season, Southend have often failed to threaten in the final third.

However, against Chesterfield, Ranger showed exactly what he has to offer and was able to bully his opposition defenders with a dominant aerial display.

Ranger also held the ball up well to bring others in to play and, in doing so, ensured Blues were able to build periods of pressure while preventing Chesterfield from launching counter-attacks of their own.

Ranger looked keen to impress and, is now back fit, after recovering from the ankle problem he sustained on his debut at Sheffield United in August.

But, while Ranger’s display offered great encouragement at the weekend, it remains important to remain realistic.

The 25-year-old had not played first team football since November 2014 before teaming up with Blues in the summer and averaged just 15 games a season in his previous four campaigns.

Whether or not he is now ready to become a regular starter is open for debate but the impact he can have is no longer an issue.

Ranger’s role helped the Shrimpers come out on top at the weekend as recalled centre-back Adam Thompson became an unlikely match-winner.

The defender, who came back into the team after three league games on the bench, had netted just two goals in his 86 appearances for Southend.

But his strike on Saturday was expertly taken as he smashed a superb strike into the roof of the net after Anthony Wordsworth’s cross-shot had been cleared into his path.

However, Thompson’s work in defence was equally as important as Blues kept a rare clean sheet to get back to winning ways.

Prior to the weekend, the Shrimpers had conceded 20 goals in their previous nine league games while also failing to keep a clean sheet.

But a vital block from Thompson stopped Liam German netting a second half equaliser and enabled Blues to maintain their excellent run of results at Roots Hall.

Phil Brown’s side have now won five of their last six home games, the latest of which saw them move out of the relegation zone.

Tougher tests will surely lie in store as Chesterfield were arguably the worst team the Shrimpers have faced so far this season.

But if Blues are to avoid a campaign of struggle towards the danger zone then the away form must be rectified.

Southend have won just once in six games on the road this term and have been heavily beaten in their last three outings away from Roots Hall.

But, with away games at Bradford City and MK Dons in quick succession this week, Blues will be desperate to cure their travel sickness in a bid to turn around their season and make Saturday a sign of things to come.