SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher hailed the spirit of his players after they beat York City 2-0 at Roots Hall - despite not being paid

The Shrimpers players went into the game still waiting to receive their January pay packets.

But a second half brace from Jack Bridge saw them pick up all three points, much to the delight of Maher.

“I can’t talk highly enough of the players, how they’ve been and how they approached the game,” said Maher.

“It was a difficult game, difficult conditions and difficult circumstances too.

“The important thing was to come out on the right end of the result and 2-0 is perfect.

“The performance didn’t have to be brilliant but the result was important.

“It’s hard to play free-flowing football on a hard, bobbly pitch at times.

“We can’t move the ball as fluently as we want so we knew at times we would have to grind it out and find a way.

“We’re trying to win the games and it’s come down to two moments from Bridgey.”

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