SAM Mantom wants Southend United to make their 2-0 win against Scunthorpe United a ‘stepping stone’ for their season.

Mantom bagged Blues’ second goal against his former side to help the Shrimpers end a run of four successive League One defeats.

And the midfielder is hopeful Tuesday night's victory at Roots Hall can kick-start Southend’s season.

“I’m hoping this will make a big difference to us now and we need to use this as a stepping stone,” said Mantom.

“We had lost four on the bounce so this is a really positive result for us.

“We’re pleased to have sent everyone back home happy again and we played a lot of good football in the first half.

“After the game on Saturday, the manager reiterated that we need to play football and don’t resort to what teams do to us.

“We did that in the first half and it was a great header from Tim (Dieng) to put us ahead.”

Scunthorpe were reduced to 10 men before the break when James Perch was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Stephen Mclaughlin.

But the visitors still threatened an equaliser in the second half as Blues began to look nervous.

“The crowd started to get a bit edgy and that gets into the players,” said Mantom.

“We had a 10 or 15 minute period where we were a little bit off it but we were still good on the counter attack and the second goal killed the game off.”

Mantom was the scorer of the Shrimpers’ goal.

And he was pleased to net against his former side.

“I’m not going to lie, there was a bit more on it I was a little bit more excited than everyone else when I scored,” said Mantom, who made 46 appearances during a two year spell with Scunthorpe.

“Everyone else took their time to get over to me but a goal’s a goal regardless of who you playing against and I’m just pleased with the 2-0 win.”

Mantom has now scored twice in three games for Blues having previously gone 26 appearances without hitting the back of the net for Chris Powell’s side.

And Mantom is keen to maintain his new found form in front of goal.

“I’m always looking to get forward but it all depends on the system and the shape,” said Mantom.

“First and foremost I’m a team player so I’m not going to be selfish and run into areas which leave the defence exposed.

“But I like to think I can score goals. I’ve done it in my career and to score twice in three games is pleasing.

“Hopefully there are more to come.”

Mantom’s goal was also his first in the League since scoring for Scunthorpe against Swindon Town in April 2017.