SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell stayed in positive spirits following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Doncaster Rovers at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers dug deep to secure a share of the spoils on the shambolic pitch.

And Powell was pleased to see his side - who are now 13th in the League One standings - react well to last weekend’s shock 3-0 defeat against Walsall.

“It wasn’t the best of games but in response to last week and the conditions it’s a solid point and we’ve moved up a place in the table too,” said Powell.

“We needed a positive response and we got one, plus it’s another building block moving forward.

“We had the clearest opportunity of the game with Stephen McLaughlin, but he put it wide, and the keeper made a good save from Michael Turner so we had our moments.”

But Powell was particularly happy with the other end of the field, where the Shrimpers stood firm to secure a third clean sheet in seven days.

“We worked really hard for the clean sheet,” said Powell.

“After last week against Walsall we wanted to make sure we were defensively stronger and everyone played a part, especially Mark Oxley whose double save was outstanding.

“It was just a shame we couldn’t crown it off at the other end to get three points.”

However, clear cut chances were in short supply for both sides in a scrappy encounter.

And Powell felt the poor state of the pitch made a big impact on the game.

“It’s very difficult,” said the 48-year-old.

“We have good footballers in our team and when the pitch has held up we’ve shown our quality.

“I’m not here to blame anyone and it’s been tough for a lot of teams around the country because of the adverse weather.

"It’s hard to make it a decent spectacle but I tell the players to try and do that by making good decisions.

“It’s not conducive to good football but there’s no blame culture because I don’t encourage that.”

And Powell also felt Blues showed it was possible to play good football on the testing surface.

“We had a header towards the end of the first half following a move of more than 20 passes so we can do it,” said Powell.

“The players deserve full credit for trying to play on a real pudding of a pitch but it is what it is and we have to deal with it.”

The Shrimpers will now look to build on the point at Rochdale on Tuesday night.