SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley praised the technique of match-winner Tom Clifford following the Shrimpers’ 1-0 victory at Newport County.

Clifford’s second half free-kick saw Blues return to winning ways in Wales.

And Molesley was delighted to see the defender hit the back of the net with another set piece.

“Tom’s got great technique,” said Molesley.

“It took a deflection which wrong-footed the keeper but it was a free-kick in a good area.

“Their wall did well jumping to stop it going in the top corner but luckily for us it went it.

“It came during a good spell for us too.

“Ash (Nathaniel-George) had a shot saved and Reeco (Hackett-Fairchild) had one deflected just wide.

“It was our best spell and we defended resolutely too.

“Ox (Mark Oxley) made a great save at the end and it was important we bounced back like that.”