SOUTHEND United midfielder Oli Coker surprised even himself by how strong he felt on his return to action.

Coker - who had been out since late August with an ankle issue - went straight back into the starting line-up for Saturday’s FA Cup clash at Eastleigh.

But the 21-year-old produced an impressive performance to help Kevin Maher’s side secure a welcome 1-0 win.

“I was very pleased to be back and to get some minutes,” said Coker.

“I was a bit surprised to be chucked straight in but I felt ready.

“I had a good week of training with the boys which helped me get back into the swing of things and I felt better than I thought I was going to as well.”

Coker played 66 minutes of the Shrimpers’ victory.

And he was pleased by the level of Blues’ display as they bagged their first FA Cup win since 2021.

“I thought it was a pretty good performance from us,” said Coker.

“On the ball I think we still could have been braver and taken the game to them a bit more but off the ball we were good and we didn’t really give them much in the game.

“But it was nice to get a win and be in the hat for the next round.”

Blues will now look to build on the victory when they head to Rochdale in the National League this weekend.

And Coker cannot wait to be involved again .

“It’s been quite frustrating watching the games rather than being involved,” said Coker.

“It’s not been the best but that’s football.

“These things happen and I just couldn’t wait to be back out there.

“Hopefully now we can use this win to gain some momentum and confidence going into Saturday.

“As long as we all stick together as a team I’m sure it will come good.”