MARK Oxley believes a greater togetherness has been behind Southend United’s recent upturn in form.

Saturday’s 3-0 win at MK Dons made it three matches unbeaten for the Shrimpers.

And Oxley - who pulled off a stunning double save in the first half - feels Blues are now much tighter in their play.

“We’ve got a bit of momentum going now and everybody is singing off the same hymn sheet which I don’t think was the case a couple of weeks ago,” said the 26-year-old shot-stopper.

“The away performances haven’t been good enough this season but we have to be delighted with the last two.

“Drawing at Bradford and winning here is great but I think it was only a matter of time before it turned in our favour.

“We just need to keep it going now and we certainly can’t afford to rest on our laurels.”

Saturday’s clean sheet was also the Shrimpers’ second in three games.

And Oxley was delighted to have kept the Dons at bay.

“We had been shipping far too many goals, especially away from home, which had been hard to take,” said Oxley.

“We’ve worked hard on putting that right and it’s been nice to get a couple of clean sheets but that’s down to everybody in the team and the efforts they’ve put in.

“We all get on like a house on fire and I think that shows in the way everyone digs in.”

Oxley will now be hoping to continue the improved defensive record.

And his display on Saturday received high praise from Shrimpers boss Phil Brown.

“At a crucial stage of the game Mark made a double save which was top drawer,” said Brown.

“He kept it at 1-0 and then we went on to get the next goal so it was very important.

“In the first half a dozen games everyone was maybe questioning Mark so he’s already had a few ups and downs but he’s settled in now.”