SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown was keen to emphasise the important part goalkeeper Ted Smith played in the Shrimpers’ 3-0 win against AFC Wimbledon yesterday.

Smith replaced the injured Mark Oxley between the sticks for his first league appearance since September.

And Brown was delighted to see the 20-year-old keep a clean sheet.

“Ted deserved that clean sheet more than anyone,” said the Blues boss.

“At 0-0 they had a one on one opportunity and Ted stepped up to to the plate for us to keep it out.

“If that had gone in then the game could have gone in a different direction so it was an important stop and I’m always pleased when we get a clean sheet like that.”

Smith - who came through the youth system at Roots Hall - also did superbly well to keep out Tom Elliott’s header in the second half.

The youngster will now be hoping to stay in the side for Saturday’s clash with Charlton Athletic.

But Brown has yet to discover how long Oxley will be out with the injury he picked up in training on the eve of yesterday’s game.

“Mark hyper extended his elbow,” explained the Shrimpers chief.

“There’s some ligament damage in there which is causing him a problem.

“He needs to rest and recuperate so it was the right decision not to play him.

“But he’s having a scan on Wednesday which will tell us how serious the injury is.”