SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher thought his side produced their best performance of the season to beat Eastleigh at Roots Hall tonight.

A well-taken effort from Nathan Ralph and a penalty from Jack Bridge secured the Shrimpers a well deserved 2-0 win.

And, when asked if the display was the most impressive of the campaign so far, Maher said: “I think so.

“We played well here against Boston as well but we were up against a team right up the top end of the table.

“They ask questions of you but I thought we played well.

“We moved the ball quickly, got in some good areas and ended up scoring a good goal through Ralphy.

“We then got the penalty towards the end of the first half and it’s a good win for us.”

The victory was the Shrimpers’ second of the season and Maher is pleased with the progress being made by his side.

“We’ve lost quite a few players in a short space of tie and it’s always going to take time for things to bed others in,” said Maher.

“We’ve lost pretty much the spine of the side but it showed tonight the bit of work we’ve done has paid off.

“We’ve been competitive in all the games we’ve played this season and it’s nice to come out the right side of a result.

“Credit to our players for how they played and, although it would’ve been nice to get another goal, if you offered me a 2-0 win I’d have bitten your hand off.”

And Maher is now to keen to kick on.

“So much has been thrown our way already this season,” said Maher.

 “Hopefully that luck has gone away and we can start building a team and a squad.

“We’ve got to push on and not stand still.”

The Shrimpers are now 13th in the table and host Sutton United this weekend.