SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher felt a half-time change of shape was key in Blues fighting back to draw at Dagenham & Redbridge.
Maher brought on Jason Demetriou in place of Jake Hyde at the break following a poor first 45 minutes from the Shrimpers.
And Maher was happy with how his players responded in the second period.
“We had to change a couple of things and I think that got us on the front foot,” said Maher.
“The change of shape helped.
“We got Bridgey higher up the pitch and were able to get pressure on their full-backs to force them back a bit.
“It opened the pitch us when we had it too.
“Credit to the players for turning it round and looking like the side that was going to go on and win it.”
In stark contrast however, Blues were below par in the first half.
And Maher was disappointed with the slow start.
“How we played in the first half wasn’t good enough,” said Maher.
“We made too many basic errors and maybe the shape didn’t work as well as we hoped it would.
“But I’m delighted with how the players responded and we’ll pick the bones out of it all now.
“It shouldn’t take us going behind to then loosen up and play.”
However, Blues were still able to avoid defeat with Callum Powell volleying home a deflecting left wing cross from Jason Demetriou.
And Maher was pleased to see the striker back among the goals.
“It was a great ball in and a great finish too,” said Maher.
“You don’t have to the biggest but he gets across people and he took it well. “
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