SOUTHEND United head coach Kevin Maher felt his side produced a professional performance to beat Dorking Wanderers at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers made it eight matches unbeaten with a comfortable 2-0 victory.

And Maher was pleased with the display against a Dorking side fighting to avoid relegation.

“It was a professional performance,” said Maher.

“It was a difficult one coming into it because when you play teams down there and it’s so tight there’s an edge and tension to the game.

“They’re a dangerous team because they commit bodies forward and they look after the ball but we did well.”

Blues broke the deadlock midway through the first half with Gus Scott-Morriss firing home a fine free-kick.

And Maher was impressed with the standard of the set-piece.

“It was brilliant,” said Maher.

“He’s been practising to be fair and we haven’t scored one for a while so it was really pleasing.

“The big thing we had been conceding early and we didn’t do that tonight.”

Blues stayed on top after the break and made sure of the win four minutes from time with Harry Cardwell on target.

And Maher felt it was key to get the second goal.

“It’s always important and it was pleasing to get the goal,” said Maher.

“I’m delighted for Cards as well because he had one just before that and it’s a good win.

“We’ve had Saturday Tuesday for over a month and you could feel the tiredness a bit so we’re pleased with the three points.