A DELIGHTED Kevin Maher felt his Southend United side fully deserved their 2-1 win at Maidenhead.

Blues battled hard to end a run of four games without a win.

And Maher was quick to praise his players.

“I’m delighted,” said Maher.

“It was the least we deserved over the 90 minutes.

“We started the game ever so well, we played well and got a goal from a set piece which Crowths (Adam Crowther) has been threatening to do.

“In the first half an hour we were in control, we had balls going in the box.

“We had a couple more chances and then they grew into the game.”

But Maher always expected the Magpies to give the Shrimpers a stern test.

“They’re a tough team to play here and they cause everyone trouble,” said Maher

“They’re going through a bit of a difficult spell but they got a good set piece which was disappointing from our point of view in terms of the organisation.”

Kevin Lokko headed home Sam Barratt’s free-kick on the stroke of half-time to draw Maidenhead back level.

And Maher was pleased with the reaction Blues showed to the setback.

“It would have been easy to crumble but it was a great response and overall I’m delighted because three points is the most important thing,” said the Blues boss.

“We’re sending the fans home happy and it’s great to hear them singing and chanting again.”

A well-taken goal from Danny Waldron ultimately secured the Shrimpers the points.

And Maher was always confident Blues would get back among the goals despite not netting in their last four outings.

“We look at everything and the chances were being created,” said Maher.

“The biggest thing was holding our nerve and not to panic, that’s for other people to do.

We knew we were creating chances and the type of chances we create tells us we’re doing the right thing.

“We kept our belief in the players and to get the win is mentally important too.”

But Maher again stressed all sides will experience times of struggle throughout the course of a season.

“You have a blip where you don’t win games, everyone does,” said Maher.

“We’ve had a mixture of new players coming in who are getting used to us and we’re getting used to them and we’ve had players who have played a lot of minutes and been through a lot too.

“It was important not to panic but it’s one game and we have to build on that.”

Blues host fifth placed Aldershot Town this weekend.