SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley praised his side’s fighting spirit following their 1-0 win at Newport County tonight.

Tom Clifford’s free-kick saw the Shrimpers collect all three points at Rodney Parade.

And Molesley was delighted with the determined display which saw Blues bounce back from a dismal 5-1 defeat at Port Vale.

“We’re really pleased because this is a really tough place to come,” said Molesley.

“The conditions were tough and it was a very icy, frosty, hard pitch which made it even tougher.

“But the lads showed resolve, togetherness and real determination.

“We really showed in abundance what we need to get out of this.”

The victory also moved the Shrimpers off the foot of the table.

But Molesley knows Blues must continue to dig deep.

“It’s three points and they’re much needed but there’s hard work still to do,” said Molesley.

“The previous two weeks weren’t great for us which culminated in the horror show we had at Port Vale.

“But it was important we showed those fighting characteristics and got a big reaction which we did.”