ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman was happy to see his side keep a ‘clinical’ Southend United quiet at Roots Hall.

Stanley kept their first clean sheet since January to record a 1-0 win against the Shrimpers.

And Coleman was thrilled to shut Blues out.

“Southend have scored quite a few goals and they’re very clinical when you look at the stats,” said Coleman.

“For chances converted they’re second in the league so we did well to limit them and our goalkeeper hasn’t had to make a save.

“I’m delighted to win the game and to get the clean sheet.”

But Coleman was not pleased with Stanley’s display in the first 45 minutes.

“I don’t think we played well in the first half,” said Coleman.

“We were ponderous and laboured and we didn’t really hurt them so some harsh words were said at half-time.

“We had to improve and we did.

“Even before the sending off we were the team in the ascendancy and we deserved to go 1-0 up.

“We missed a couple of chances and you worry that might come back and haunt you but thankfully it didn’t.”