Southend United gave their Championship survival bid a massive boost with a 3-1 win at high-flying Birmingham City tonight.

The St Andrew's club got off to a great start when Shrimpers defender Peter Clarke headed into his own net after just eight minutes.

But Southend captain Kevin Maher led by example to get his side back on level terms on 22 minutes.

Right after the break, Blues striker Freddy Eastwood shocked the home team with a second goal for the visitors from 18 yards.

And Shrimpers winger Mark Gower put the icing on the cake late in the game with a stunning third goal to seal victory.

The win lifts Southend off the bottom of the table, above Leeds United, for the first time this year.