SOUTHEND United manager Kevin Bond could not hide his delight after keeping the Shrimpers in League One with a dramatic 2-1 win against Sunderland at Roots Hall this afternoon. 

Stephen Humphrys’ 87th minute strike secured Southend the three points they needed to avoid relegation.

And Bond, who replaced Chris Powell in charge for the final six matches of the season, was delighted to have beaten the drop by goal difference.

“It’s really satisfying and I’m so pleased for everyone at the football club,” said the 61-year-old.

“They put their faith in me to make a difference and between us all we’ve been able to do that.

“It was nail biting in the last 15 minutes but overall we deserved the win.

“We played excellently in the first half and should have been more in front really.

“But when it was 1-1 I thought it might be gone.

“I thought we would find it difficult to come again but we took a chance with two up front.

“We got an opportunity after that and we took it.

“It can be satisfying keeping a team in the league as getting out of it at times.

“The support was properly fantastic but it has been ever since I’ve been here."