SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher insists Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Gateshead was just as impressive as beating table-topping Chesterfield.

A second half equaliser from Harry Cardwell saw the Shrimpers secure a share of the spoils at the Gateshead International Stadium.

And Maher was delighted with how Blues battled to secure a share of the spoils just seven days after beating the league leaders.

“As good as last week’s result was, this is probably as good, “ said Maher.

“These are a really good side.

“They look after the ball ever so well and tactically they’re good too.

“In the first half they dominated to be fair to them and we struggled to get a foothold in the game.

“We had to change it during the first half and once we did I thought we came out for the second half much better.

“We were more on the front foot.”

As a result, the Shrimpers started to pose more problems in the final third.

And Maher felt Blues could have netted long before Cardwell’s close range finish.

“We forced our game on them more and we started to create more chances,” said Maher.

“We could tweak things properly at half-time and it allowed us to put pressure on up top.

“It worked well and but for a couple of loose passes in the final third we might have had another one before we scored.

“We had one off the bar but they had chances as well.

“However, the overall picture with what we’ve had to deal with this week in terms of injuries means it’s a huge point.”

And Maher was also delighted to see Cardwell get back among the goals after a six game drought.

“I’m pleased because he works so hard and leads the line brilliantly,” said Maher.

“He hasn’t had loads of chances recently so for it to drop to him I’m delighted. “

The draw keeps Blues 14th in the National League table.