SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher labelled his unpaid players ‘miracle men’ after seeing them fight back to beat Halifax Town at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers – whose squad do not know when they will receive their January wages – trailed 1-0 at the break.

But Blues showed incredible spirit in the second half to secure a third straight league win.

And Maher could not speak highly enough of his squad.

“They are honestly miracle men with what they do every day and how they go about their business,” said Maher.

“It’s unbelievable and it’s the same for the staff.

“At half-time it would’ve been easy to go the other way but they didn’t and they showed even more effort and desire to come back.

“The praise can’t be high enough and they’re a special group who can achieve special things.

“They keep showing that effort and desire for the shirt and we’re lucky as a club to have them.

“I think the fans showed they appreciated that at the end as well.”

Blues were applauded off the pitch at the final whistle and Maher was particularly impressed with the second half display.

“The win is the most important thing and I thought we were outstanding in the second half,” said Maher.

“The intensity we played at is what we’re best at and we thoroughly deserved it in the end.”

However, Blues trailed 1-0 after the 45 minutes after conceding a goal which the home-side’s players felt was scored by the hand of Jesse Debrah.

“The lads were claiming handball but whether it was or not we couldn’t get a decision in the first half,” said Maher.

“Every tackle was a yellow card and, at the minute, it feels like we’re taking on the world as a group.

“We get animated but it’s because we care so much and get frustrated.”

Blues drew back level just past the hour mark with Jack Bridge on target from the penalty spot after a foul on substitute Henry Sandat.

And Maher felt it was definitely a penalty.

“Henry had two hands in his back just as he was about to jump so it was the correct decision,” said the Blues boss.

“It was thoroughly deserved and Bridgey tucked it away well.

“We had the momentum on our side after that.

“I’m pleased with how we kept on going after that and didn’t settle for a point.

“We spoke about never giving up at half-time and keeping on going.

“We believed we could score and when we did we felt we would be able to get another one.”

Blues did just that 11 minutes from time when Bridge’s left wing corner appeared to be diverted into his own net by Emmanuel Dieseruvwe.

But Maher confirmed Gus Scott-Morriss was claiming the goal.

“He said it hit his back and he should claim it as well because defenders don’t tend to get much,” said Maher.

“He’s a threat from corners and he came up again”