AFTER 97 days, eight games and 2,556 miles spent travelling across the country – Southend United finally secured success away from home again on Saturday.

An early penalty from Jason Demetriou saw the Shrimpers grind out a hard fought 1-0 win at Peterborough United as Chris Powell became the first permanent Blues boss since 1993 to win his first two games in charge.

And it was very much the togetherness of the team which secured a rare away triumph for the Shrimpers.

Southend headed into the weekend’s clash without a win on the road since seeing off Walsall in October.

Blues had suffered five successive defeats on their travels and have the worst defensive record away from home in the division, having conceded 33 goals in 14 games ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

But those concerning statistics were confined to the past during an incredibly spirited display from a reinvigorated Southend side who have now won back-to-back games for the first time since October.

In the past, Blues would have crumbled while under pressure and a soft underbelly would have been exposed by a Peterborough side packed full of dangerous players pushing for a place in the play-offs.

However, the arrival of Powell has clearly brought Blues closer together and, that more than anything else, was the main reason for Saturday’s success.

The Shrimpers continually hassled and harried their hosts in a bid to stop them playing out from the back and it was that impressive work-rate which ultimately led to them coming out on top.

Peterborough, of course, had their moments and Mark Oxley twice did well to deny Jack Marriott while the breaks also seemed to go Blues’ way.

There could be no denying the penalty decision after Posh goalkeeper Jonathan Bond clearly chopped down Stephen McLaughlin.

However, television replays seemed to suggest the hosts were rather unfortunate to have Andrew Hughes’ first half strike disallowed for offside.

Hughes had a second effort ruled out for offside late on as the Shrimpers survived 10 minutes of stoppage time to triumph.

The added on time was due to a nasty looking injury to defender John White, which marred Saturday’s success.

White’s no-nonsense approach in a more central role has been one of very few success stories for the Shrimpers this season.

The defender, who was stretchered off at London Road, deserved a regular run in the side far earlier in the season and will be a big miss during his lay-off.

White was replaced at the weekend by Anton Ferdinand, who has been criticised for his displays this season.

Ferdinand’s mobility has regularly been called into question but on Saturday he looked solid after his introduction and will now be looking to get back to his best.

That could prove to be key as Blues bid to build on Powell’s fine start, which has seen morale significantly boosted both on the pitch and in the stands.

The post-match celebrations spoke volumes about the improvements Powell has already been able to make as the team formed a huddle after the final whistle to toast their triumph.

Powell’s beaming smile and fist pump salutes were also greeted by huge cheers from the travelling Shrimpers supporters who are now enjoying watching their side once again.

Of course, it is still very early days in Powell’s tenure and feet must stay firmly on the ground at this stage.

But, after months of misery, the last two matches have been incredibly refreshing to watch.

Blues’ first clean sheet since the start of December was also another huge highlight after going 10 games without shutting out their opposition.

And in an age of changing club crests and identities, a new name would be quite apt at Roots Hall now too, Southend Reunited!