SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher felt his side ‘kept their season alive’ with a 2-0 win against Dagenham & Redbridge at Roots Hall.

Two Jack Bridge penalties in the second half moved the ninth placed Shrimpers to within three points of the play-off positions.

And Maher thought it was an important victory for Blues.

“It’s a huge win for us and it keeps the season going,” said Maher.

“We’re on the toes of one or two and it keeps the pressure on others as well.

“But we have to look after ourselves and we’ve done that today.”

Bridge again proved to the match-winner for Blues.

And Maher heaped praise on the left wing-back who stepped forward despite missing his previous penalty at Boreham Wood in March.

“We thought it was a decent match up on that side and credit to Bridgey for taking the penalties after the Boreham Wood one,” said Maher.

“It shows where he is confidence wise and I’m sure they would’ve watched it as well so it takes a bit of nerve to put it away.

“The first goal was always going to be big as well.

“You could feel the tension and the nerves in the first half.

“We weren’t brilliant on the ball and we turned it over cheaply at times but they didn’t hurt us too much all afternoon.

“A 2-0 win is perfect really with another clean sheet and the lads at the back did their job well too.”

Get more great stories by Chris Phillips delivered to your inbox every day by signing up to our regular newsletter here