SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown felt the impressive travelling support helped the Shrimpers put a marker down at King’s Lynn.

An early effort from Sam Dalby secured Blues a 1-0 win on the opening day of the National League season.

But Brown felt it was Southend’s fans who deserved to take centre stage.

“We spoke before the game about putting a marker down but I think the fans did that for us today,” said Brown.

“More than half the crowd were Southend fans and when I was coming off at the end our fans were everywhere.

“They put the marker down and if they’re going to do that all season for us we have to put the performances in.

“There needs to be blood, sweat and tears and we had that commitment today.”

Blues are looking to rebuild after suffering back to back relegations.

And Brown felt the narrow win should have been more comfortable.

“I could’ve asked for more goals and a clinical approach in the final third to make us all breathe a bit easier,” said Brown.

“Even when they had 10 men they were throwing the kitchen sink at us and could’ve nicked a point at the end.

“But we had energy, effort and tactical nous and awareness which was key.”