SHEFFIELD United manager Chris Wilder labelled Saturday’s 4-2 victory at Roots Hall as a ‘big win’ for his table topping side.

The Blades’ triumph was their sixth in succession and delighted Wilder who had previously struggled to see off the Shrimpers.

“It’s six wins in a row and this is by far the toughest of them,” said Wilder.

“Southend have been on a great run and it’s always very difficult coming here.

“I personally don’t think I’ve ever got a result here before so I know how tough it is and this is a big, big win.

“We could have been two or three up early on and ended up getting pegged back when they scored which was disappointing.

“But we really lifted it, especially in the second half and I don’t think anyone can argue with the end result of the game.”

The victory saw Sheffield United move four points clear at the top of the League One table.

And it came after Wilder instructed his side to use the ball quicker.

“I always thought that if we could pass it out of the middle and pass it quickly that we could open them up with the formation they had,” said Wilder.

“That’s what we did in the second half and we got the result off the back of that.

“But they’re a dangerous, streetwise team and I’m happy we don’t have to come here again.”