HARTLEPOOL United boss Kevin Phillips was pleased with his side’s defensive performance against Southend United.

The game at the Suit Direct Stadium ended without a goal.

And Phillips was happy to have stopped the Shrimpers scoring.

“First and foremost I’m delighted to have kept a clean sheet,” Phillips told the club’s YouTube channel.

“I think it’s only the third one in the league this season.

“I asked the players for a clean sheet, to be defensive solid and harder to break down and you saw that.

“But what wins you matches and, it’s the most obvious statement to make, is goals.

“I’ve asked the defence to do their job then it’s about whether the offensive players can do theirs.

“We just couldn’t do it today.”

However, Phillips praised the organisation of Blues who boast the best defensive record in the division.

“We were up against a really well organised team,” said Phillips.

“They’re well drilled and get bodies behind the ball so they’re hard to break down.

“It would’ve taken something special but when you’re up against teams like that you have to come up with something different.

“We huffed and puffed but just couldn’t break them down and I’ve got mixed feelings.

“I’m delighted with the clean sheet and it’s something to build on now.

“But now we need to work on the other side of it and be more clinical in the final third. “