SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher hailed his players as ‘incredible’ following an impressive 2-1 win against table-topping Chesterfield.

Maher was only able to select two substitutes against the in-form Spireites.

But the Shrimpers were still able to fight back from a goal down to record a remarkable victory at Roots Hall.

“All credit to the players,” said Maher.

“Off a defeat last week coming into playing the league leaders at home and with them taking the lead as well for the team to turn it round and to win the game is incredible.

“The performance from everyone meant it was fully deserved too.”

Such were the selection struggles for the Shrimpers, the club had requested for the game to be postponed.

But, despite a lack of numbers, Maher always expected Blues to battle hard.

“I knew we would play with energy and intensity but Chesterfield are a top team,” said Maher.

“We had two subs today and you knew when it got to 60 minutes and they’re bringing subs on that’s going to be a problem.

“But the players stood up to it and played really well.

“We kept plugging away and kept on pushing.

“When we got the first goal it was important to push on and try to win the game.

“We didn’t want to sit back.”

A penalty from Jack Bridge drew Blues level before an own goal from Darren Oldaker secured a memorable win for the home-side.

But Maher still feels it was not right for the Shrimpers to go into the game with just 13 players.

“My comments are watched apparently so I have to be careful but we shouldn’t have two subs,” said Maher.

“It is what it is and I’d rather focus on how well the players did.

“They should get all the credit.”

And Maher also felt the win was right up there with the best he has ever had with Blues.

“It’s right up there with the results we’ve had,” said Maher.

“Only having two subs and dealing with everything we have to is well documented.

“To beat the calibre of team we’ve beaten makes it one of the best games I can remember here.

“It’s incredible.

“You can feel the positivity coming back and to have over 8,000 here was great.

“They stayed with the players even when we went behind.

“We’re grateful for that and it can help massively.”