SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher praised the response of his players during the second half of the Shrimpers’ 4-1 win against Aldershot at Roots Hall.

Blues fought back from a goal down at the break to record a second victory in succession.

And Maher admitted Harry Cardwell’s equaliser just moments after Rollin Menayese had been sent off was a crucial moment of the match.

“They’ve had the sending off and scoring straight after that is important,” said Maher.

“It almost didn’t give them time to reorganise because it can be difficult playing 10 men once they’re set.”

Menayese saw red after pulling back Shrimpers striker Danny Waldron.

And Maher understood why the decision was made.

“I’ve watched it back and it’s tight,” said the Blues boss.

“He’s going into the box and he’s been held back so I can see why it’s been given.”

Ollie Kensdale, Jack Wood and Marcus Dackers went on to join Cardwell on the score-sheet.

But it was Aldershot who had the better of the first half after what Maher felt was initially a bright start for Blues.

“I actually thought we started well and had good passages of play but without really threatening enough,” said Maher.

“We turned the ball over cheaply which gave them opportunities to counter.

“It was bad decisions on the ball sometimes but the response in the second half was very good.”

However, Maher always expected a stern test for the Shrimpers.

“It was always going to be a tough game because they’re a play-off team,” said Maher.

“They’ve got a very good squad full of good players.

“They cause every team problems with what they’ve got going forwards.

“But it was important we got out the right side of that, especially after going behind.”