SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher felt the Shrimpers secured the best kind of victory against Kidderminster Harriers at Roots Hall.

Blues bagged all three points deep into stoppage time with Callum Powell converting from close range.

And Maher was delighted to see his side secure all three points.

“It’s the best way to win,” said Maher.

“For the confidence of the team as well it’s massive.

“To go ahead, to be pegged back again and then respond again is big for us so we’re very pleased.

“It was important for our confidence and belief to win the game.”

Blues had to stay patient in their pursuit of three points and initially found it tough going to create goalscoring opportunities.

“We knew they’re well organised and hard to break down,” said Maher.

“They can make it hard to make chances and we found that in the first half.

“To get the first goal was massively important.”

The Shrimpers went in front when Harry Cardwell bagged his fifth goal in seven games at the start of the second half.

But Kidderminster hit back to equalise with Amari Morgan-Smith on target 10 minutes from time.

And Maher started to fear it would not be Blues’ day.

“I don’t think they did loads to hurt us but the ball rebounded fortunately and it felt like we were getting punished for everything,” said Maher.

“But we showed great character to score again.”

The Shrimpers secured victory at the death with Powell firing home from close range.

And Maher was quick to praise the substitute striker.

“He’s infectious,” said Maher.

“We talk about his goals and they’re all in and around the box so we want him to be in there more often.

“He finished it well and it was a great moment.”

But it was also the timing of the goal that pleased Maher.

"Last minute winners tell you a lot about a club," said the 46-year-old.

"You look at Liverpool in their heyday they always scored last minute winners and so did Man United.

"It’s no accident and it tells you where we’re at and that we keep going until the end.