SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher hailed the spirit of his side following their 2-2 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge at Roots Hall.

A last-gasp equaliser from Gus Scott-Morriss secured a share of the spoils for the Shrimpers.

And Maher was delighted with how Blues battled back to pick up a point.

"The way we fought back and kept going was incredible," said Maher.

"It could've been difficult when you're 2-1 down and you feel as though things are going against you but the character of this group can never be questioned.

“They (Dagenham) played Friday, we played Saturday and we can’t make that many changes.

“But what the players did and the effort they had to keep going was a huge credit to them.

“The fans cheering us on too and were trying to suck the ball into the net at the end there made a huge difference to us too so thank you to them for that as well.”

The Shrimpers, who are now 13th in the National League table, had earlier started the contest brightly and took the lead through Oli Coker’s first goal of the season.

But Blues were unable to build on the early goal.

“We got the press right and turned the ball over,” said Maher on his side’s first goal.

“Moncy (George Moncur) has got it into the areas we want it and Cards (Harry Cardwell) showed great composure to lay it back to Cokes so he could hit it first time.

It was a really composed finish and we had good opportunities after that.

“We wanted the second goal but credit to them they’re a good side as well.”

Dagenham got back into the game when Reece Grego-Cox scored from the spot after Jack Bridge had been adjudged to have brought down Dion Pereira inside the penalty area.

But Maher did not agree with the decision.

“I’ve seen it back and I think it’s outside the box,” said the Blues boss.

“The assessor spoke to someone up there and said their player wasn’t getting the ball anyway.

“It’s one of them and the decisions all afternoon were frustrating to say the least.

“It’s had an affect again.”

Dagenham built on their equaliser after the break with Josh Rees firing them in front 16 minutes from time.

But the Shrimpers were still able to work their way back into the game with Scott-Morriss scoring for the fourth time this season.

“We changed the shape to get into the flow of it,” said Maher.

“We got two wide players on and had loads of chances.

“We were pushing them back and you could feel they were hanging on.

“It was a great ball in and a great header from Gus too.”