SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher felt he could not have asked for anything more from his players in tonight’s 2-1 win against Yeovil Town.

The victory saw the Shrimpers move seven points clear of the drop zone.

And Maher was pleased to follow on from Saturday’s 1-0 triumph at Weymouth.

“It’s a big win,” said the Blues boss.

“Once we got Saturday out of the way this became important too because it’s the next game.

“I’m delighted to back up what we did on Saturday and I’m delighted with everyone again.”

Goals from Jason Demetriou and Tom Clifford put the Shrimpers two goals in front before Rueben Reid netted for the visitors in stoppage time.

And Maher felt Blues could have again gone on to score more goals.

“We wanted another goal because I felt we were dominant,” said Maher.

“We were that dominant we could have got another one and we would’ve liked a clean sheet.

“But I was delighted with everyone and how we played.

“Once we settled down in the first half I thought we were good.

“We’re asking for more quality with balls in the final third but we can’t ask for too much more because they’ve given us everything again. “

The Shrimpers have now been beaten just once in seven games and Maher was pleased to see both full-backs on target in the latest win.

“In this system, wide men always seem to get in the box because they arrive late,” said Maher.

“It works well and I’m delighted with them.

“We brought Leon (Davies) in for competition but JD has been outstanding again.”

But Maher will continue to set high standards.

“You’ve got to earn the right to play for this club,” said Maher.

“It’s not the other way round.

“Players aren’t doing us a favour.

“They’re the lucky ones who get to pull on a shirt.

“We’ve got to remember that.

“This is a good club, it’s a proper club.”

But Maher remains determined to build on the win.

“I haven’t checked the table yet but we have to keep on adding points,” said Maher.

"This football club hasn’t won enough football matches.

“Winning breeds confidence and we’ve seen out the last two matches.

“It’s a good test of character and hopefully it breeds more confidence.

“It’s great to hear the fans cheering us like that and it’s been hard enough for long enough.

“There will be ups and downs but we’re all in this together.

“Everyone here is working together and we’re going in the right direction on the pitch.

“Hopefully we can keep that going now.”