Jubilant Southend United fans celebrated in the streets after their heroes' stunning victory against Premiership leaders Manchester United.

Fans beeped their horns as they passed pubs and bars and danced in the streets around Roots Hall following the 1-0 win over the Premiership side.

Super-striker Freddy Eastwood hammered home the winning goal in the first half and the strength of the team spirit and skill allowed them to hold on to their lead and continue into the next round of the Carling Cup.

Blues boss, Ron Martin, said: "This is fantastic for Southend United, fantastic for the town."

Comedian Phill Jupitus, who lives in Leigh, is on tour and heard about the historic victory through a text message from one of his friends in the stadium.

He said: "It just made me laugh - I love a football result that makes you laugh.

"It is a testament to the beauty of football that Southend beat Manchester United and a well deserved prize for the people of the town who have supported the team this season.

"As a follower of both Southend and West Ham, a cup run sometimes is a reward for a shocking season.

"It is fantastic news."

Gold-winning paralympic athlete Danny Crates, who is from Corringham, said he was "over the moon" at the result which takes Southend through to the quarter-finals of the competition.

He added: "It is great for the area and this part of Essex and the players must be absolutely ecstatic."

Delighted supporter Ian Belsar, 34, of Southchurch Road, Southend, described it as his "best night ever!"

He said: "I just cannot believe the super Shrimpers have done it!

"It's not sinking in properly - we've beaten Manchester United.

"It is an absolute dream come true."

Some fans stormed the pitch at the end of the first half, but security quickly managed to clear them from the ground.

Ricky Nicholson, 23, of Southchurch Road, Southend, who was at the game, said: "The headline should be Freddie Krueger gives Alex Ferguson nightmares!

"What a game!

"The keeper was fantastic, everyone was buzzing and it is just brilliant."

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