SOUTHEND United skipper Anton Ferdinand was delighted to make his daughter’s first game one to remember at Roots Hall on Saturday.

The centre-back bagged Blues’ second goal as Phil Brown’s side fought back from two goals down to triumph 3-2.

And the victory was made even sweeter for Ferdinand as his month-old baby Lilah was among those in attendance.

“It was an emotional afternoon for me because it was my daughter’s first game so that was for her,” said Ferdinand.

“To come back like we did showed real character and I think we showed people why we should be up there”

The memorable victory saw the Shrimpers move up to sixth in the League One standings.

But it initially appeared to be a day of disappointment as two goals from former Blues midfielder Frank Moussa put the Saddlers in control during a period of play which Ferdinand believes gave his side a glimpse of playing at a superior standard.

“That game is how it is when you play higher in that if you give people chances they will punish you,” said the 32-year-old.

“It’s not always the case at this level and you can sometimes get away with things but that didn’t happen here.

“We needed team spirit to get back into it and credit to the manager as well for keeping it the same at half-time and then deciding to change it.”

A well-taken header from Nile Ranger brought Blues back into the game before Ferdinand volleyed home his second goal of the season.

However, he admitted to not making the cleanest contact with the ball.

“My goal wasn’t really a volley, it was more of a shot off my shin but it went in and that’s all that matters.

“Their keeper made some unbelievable saves and luckily it went in the only place he couldn’t get to.”