GOALS from Timothee Dieng and Sam Mantom saw Southend United get back to winning ways with a 2-0 triumph against 10 man Scunthorpe United at a wet Roots Hall tonight.

The Shrimpers went into the game on the back of four successive League One setbacks.

But an early header from Dieng and a well struck second half shot from Mantom saw Chris Powell’s side record a much-needed win against a Scunthorpe side who had James Perch sent off seven minutes before the break.

The Shrimpers started brightly and opened the scoring after just eight minutes when Harry Bunn’s left wing cross found Dieng, whose firm header was pushed into the back of the net via the underside of the crossbar by Scunthorpe goalkeeper Jak Alnwick.

Moments later, Stephen McLaughlin cut in off the right flank and saw a curling left footed shot superbly tipped wide of the left post by Alnwick.

However, with 15 minutes on the clock, Blues suffered yet another injury blow as right-back Jason Demetriou limped off with a knee problem and was replaced by Elvis Bwomono.

Despite the enforced alteration, the Shrimpers went close to doubling their lead in the 34th minute when another curling effort from McLaughlin was impressively tipped wide of the left post by Alnwick.

But, four minutes later, the Iron were reduced to 10 men when Perch was shown a second yellow card by referee Trevor Kettle following a foul on McLaughlin.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Scunthorpe started the second half with Cameron Burgess having a looping header tipped over the crossbar by Blues goalkeeper Mark Oxley.

Moments later, Oxley parried away a long range free-kick from Josh Morris before the Shrimpers hit back with Bunn drilling a low effort wide of the far post following a right wing cross from Bwomono.

With Blues still looking for a second goal, skipper Mantom – who was facing his former side – sent a low shot inches wide of the left post following another cross from Bwomono.

With 74 minutes on the clock, the Shrimpers made a second change with Shawn McCoulsky taking the place of Dieng.

And, six minutes later, Blues doubled their lead, with Mantom on target against his former side.

The midfielder latched onto a loose ball just inside the penalty area and fired home a well-struck shot to ease the Shrimpers’ tensions.

However, seconds after the goal, the visitors Lee Novak sent a looping effort against the top of the crossbar before Blues were able to scramble the ball to safety.

The Iron’s George Thomas then also slashed a well-struck 20 yard shot wide of the right post before the Shrimpers almost made it 3-0 right at the death with substitute Michael Kightly having an effort cleared off the line.