SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell felt it was ‘huge’ for his side to rescue a share of the spoils against Portsmouth.

A hat-trick from Simon Cox saw the Shrimpers fight back from three goals down to draw 3-3 in front of the Sky Sports cameras at Roots Hall.

And Powell was delighted to pick up a point after a shocking opening half an hour for the Shrimpers.

“It’s huge for us,” said Powell.

“Before the game we obviously wanted to win but after half an hour it was one of the most difficult situations we’ve been in in a long time.

“It was poor defending from us and we gave away some schoolboy goals but the players have shown great courage, determination and character to get back into it.

“It’s not often you’re 3-0 down at home and you come back from what is almost an impossible situation to get a point.

“It’s a great feeling for everyone, especially our supporters.”

Cox headed home the first of his three goals before the break.

And Powell felt that gave the Shrimpers belief they could fight back to pick up a point against the Hampshire side.

“At half-time I believed we could get back into the game because of that goal we got towards the end of the first half,” said Powell.

“We tried to give them belief at half-time but it was all about the next goal.

“Nathan Bishop made a save just after half-time that was important and I think people might have forgotten about that.”

Cox narrowed Portsmouth’s lead with a penalty before curling home an impressive effort after a fine pass from Timothee Dieng.

And Powell was quick to praise his striker who has now scored 15 goals this season.

“Coxy has been great,” said Powell.

“He’s taken on the mantle of leading by example and he took his goals well.

“This feels like a win for us really and every point is really precious for us.”

Blues’ latest point saw them move up 13th place in the League One standings.

And Powell felt the difference between the two teams’ substitutes showed how tough it had been for the Shrimpers to avoid defeat.

“If you look at it, Portsmouth brought on Ronan Curtis, James Vaughan and Gareth Evans,” said Blues.

“No disrespect but I brought on Norman Wabo, Michael Klass and Isaac Hutchinson.

“That’s what we’re up against but they all played their part and I’m really happy for them.”