SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher believes his side’s 3-0 win against Scunthorpe showed the Shrimpers are in a good place on the pitch.

Blues to continue to struggle off the field and were criticised after a disappointing defeat at Woking in the FA Cup last weekend.

But Maher feels Southend’s comfortable victory at Roots Hall is proof of the progress being made.

“People want to see a back four but we’re six unbeaten in the league,” said Maher.

“You hear things about people wanting to change shape and that we’re not getting the best out of people.

“You can feel the edginess at times and there’s a little bit of hysteria around the club even though we’re six unbeaten.

“We lose a game and all of a sudden the wheels are coming off for everybody.

“But the football side of things is doing ever so well and we’re building.

“The players are together with a great, great team spirit.

“If you watch them in the week and how they train they do it properly so I’m delighted for them today.”

Wes Fonguck fired the Shrimpers in front before Jake Hyde bagged a brace in the second half.

And Maher was happy with how the game unfolded.

“It’s as good an afternoon could’ve gone for us really,” said the 46-year-old.

“Off the back of a decent unbeaten run in the league it’s important to pick up wins and keep adding points to the total.

“We did that in a fully professional manner and it was a good afternoon.”

But Maher is certain Blues - who are now ninth in the table - are still not at their best.

“We got our goal in the first half and kept building and building but I think there’s still more to come from the team,” said Maher.

“We’re moving in the right direction and we’ve still got bodies to come back too.

“You can see that with Rhys Murphy, Chris Wreh and Harry Taylor all coming on and doing well.”

And Maher – whose side have struggled for goals this term – was also pleased to see three shots hit the back of the net.

“We’ve wanted to add more goals,” said the Blues boss.

“It didn’t happen at the start of the season but we’ve still picked up points.

“Hydey has got fitter and fitter and you saw that today.

“We’ve got Cards coming back and there’s Powelly and Chris Wreh so that end of the pitch is getting stronger.

“If we can keep on adding more goals hopefully we will continue to climb the table.”