SOUTHEND United’s 3-1 win against Portsmouth may not have been the most stylish of Chris Powell’s victories since taking charge of the Shrimpers - but it was arguably one of the most satisfying.

Saturday’s triumph at Roots Hall was the fourth in five games since Powell’s appointment.

But the latest win relied more upon guts, work-rate and determination rather than silky skills or flowing football as Blues were not at their best - despite the final score-line.

However, the manner of the win was still pleasing as it showed the Shrimpers now have the character to be able to win matches in a variety of ways.

The triumph also continued the resurgence under Powell who has now taken 13 points from a possible 15 since replacing Phil Brown in charge.

Organisation, desire and a vastly improved togetherness in the team have all been behind the instant impact made by the new manager along with far more attacking intent.

Quite often under the previous regime, Blues seemed to sit deep after taking the lead in a bid to protect a narrow advantage.

But, under Powell, the Shrimpers seem to stay on the front foot and continue to commit men forward – something which was shown by right-back Jason Demetriou bagging a brace at the weekend.

The defender doubled Southend’s lead with an impressive effort from 20 yards before showing fantastic energy and fitness late on to burst into the box and claim his second of the afternoon.

Sandwiched in between the full-back’s strikes was a testing period which saw Portsmouth get back into the game with a well-worked goal of their own.

However, Blues stayed solid to remain in front and, despite Portsmouth enjoying spells of pressure and possession, Mark Oxley was largely untroubled between the sticks.

A red card to visiting midfielder Nathan Thompson midway through the second half for a poor challenge on Ben Coker also boosted the resurgent Shrimpers who had impressive performers all over the pitch.

Demetriou, of course, will hit the headline with his goalscoring exploits but, at the centre of the back four, Michael Turner was a colossal and commanding figure in helping to keep Portsmouth at bay.

Alongside him Anton Ferdinand continued his own improvements under Powell with an effective performance while in midfield Dru Yearwood caught the eye on his 18th birthday with another industrious and energetic display.

Striker Shayon Harrison also filled in well in an unfamiliar left wing role in the absence of Michael Kightly but, above all else, it was the collective team display which again brought success for the Shrimpers.

The victory moved Blues up to 13th in the League One standings, eight points above the relegation zone and seven behind the play-off places.

And such is the feel-good factor now sweeping around Roots Hall some fans are now starting to dream of a top six finish with Southend’s next five matches all against teams in the bottom 11.

However, as Powell and his players continue to stress it would be foolish to think too far ahead at this stage and all the focus should solely remain on taking on Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

But the growing expectation and enthusiasm is testament to the progress already being made under Powell.

Before his appointment, Blues sat just one point and one place above the relegation zone and a return to League Two seemed a realistic concern.

Yet everyone connected with the club is now looking up the table not down it and, after months of misery, a feel good factor has returned to Roots Hall where more than 9,000 fans were in attendance at the weekend.

More ups and down undoubtedly lie in wait but for now it is fun following Blues and the future is starting to look bright once again.