SOUTHEND United right-back Jason Demetriou insisted he was claiming two goals and top scoring bragging rights following Saturday’s 3-1 win against Portsmouth at Roots Hall.

Demetriou bagged a brace after an own goal from visiting defender Matt Clarke had gifted the Shrimpers an early lead.

And the 30-year-old, who has now scored eight goals this season, was adamant he would be credited with two strikes - despite the taunts of his team-mates.

“I’m going to claim the second one although I’m not sure how much it was actually mine,” laughed Demetriou.

“I’m top scorer now so of course Coxy (Simon Cox) is trying to take it off me because he’s worried I might take the boot off him at the end of the season.

“It’s all good fun though and it’s the best goalscoring season I’ve ever had now.

“When I was at Orient I think I got six or seven in one season but I’ve beaten that now and hopefully I’ll get a few more.

“But the main thing was we won the game and got another good result.”

The victory pushed the Shrimpers up to 13th in the League One standings and was secured despite Demetriou feeling Blues were not at their best.

“It wasn’t the best game or the best performance but we won ugly and that’s a positive sign,” said the Cyprus international.

“We were 2-1 up which is a dodgy score but when the confidence is there like it is at the moment we’re not panicking.

“We’re making our clearances, we’re getting up together and we’ve got a good shape about us too.

“Sometimes in the past we might have folded under pressure but we were always confident we would win it and luckily we did.”

The victory also continued Chris Powell’s unbeaten start in charge and the Shrimpers boss has now triumphed in four of his first five games, something Demetriou believes is down to an improved work-rate.

“It’s four wins out of five now plus a draw since the manager came in so we’re really on a roll,” said the defender.

“These things can happen in football when a new man arrives.

“He’s come in with new tactics and sometimes it just fits with the players.

“What he’s doing now seems to be working wonders and I think everyone is just working a lot harder.

“The old manager had a good spell here but unfortunately it wasn’t going his way and the new gaffer has come in.

“We’re getting the results and this was another important win at the end of a good week.”

Blues will now be bidding for more of the same at Oldham Athletic this weekend.

And Demetriou will be fit to figure despite picking up a knock when scoring his second goal.

“I’m alright,” said Demetriou.

“I got a bit clattered at the end but once I saw it had gone in I felt fine and I’m sure I’ll be OK.”