SIMON Cox fired Southend United back to winning ways with the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory against Fleetwood Town this afternoon.

The Shrimpers went into the game on the back of three successive League One defeats.

But Cox’s goal – eight minutes into the second half – saw Chris Powell’s side get back on track at Roots Hall against Joey Barton's men who had James Wallace sent off in the dying seconds. 

Blues began the clash brightly with the impressive Timothee Dieng curling a 25 yard shot inches wide of the right post before the recalled Theo Robinson saw a curling effort gathered by Fleetwood goalkeeper Alex Cairns at the second attempt.

Moments later, Taylor Moore sent a low effort straight at Cairns before the visiting shot-stopper palmed away a swerving long range shot from Dieng.

After surviving the scares, Fleetwood threatened first after the break with Sam Madden sending an eight yard header against the outside of the right post.

But, with 53 minutes on the clock, Blues hit back and opened the scoring with Cox bagging his second goal of the season.

The goal was made by Robinson who intercepted a poor pass from former Shrimpers defender Cian Bolger before darting into the left hand side of the penalty area and crossing for Cox to tap home into an empty net from close range.

Moments later, Dieng fired over from 20- yards before the Shrimpers made their first change of the game in the 78th minute with Michael Klass replacing Robinson.

And Klass was fouled deep into stoppage time by half-time substitute Wallace was who shown a second yellow card by referee Charles Breakspear.