HALLOWEEN weekend is normally associated with unexpected and unwanted horror.

But there were no such issues for Southend United at Roots Hall on Saturday as Kevin Maher’s side cruised to a comfortable 2-0 triumph against Tamworth.

In the first ever meeting between the two teams, the Shrimpers started strongly and ultimately secured their victory inside the first 16 minutes of the match.

Goals from Bim Pepple and Oli Coker put Blues in complete control and they were very rarely troubled by their shot-shy opponents who failed to register a single effort on target.

As a result, it was another pleasing afternoon packed full of positives for a Shrimpers side who do appear to have turned something of a corner after a slow start to their season.

The powerful Pepple, who is on loan with Blues from Luton, made the biggest impact at the weekend.

And at times he resembled a senior school pupil playing against primary school opposition as he regularly used his pace and power to pose problems.

Pepple also showed good composure when clean though on goal to break the deadlock and he displayed excellent awareness to make the Shrimpers’ second too.

The striker again outmuscled a defender before crossing into the path of the onrushing Coker who scored with a well-taken first time finish into the bottom left hand corner of the North Bank net.

Tamworth’s defenders seemingly had no answer to Pepple’s play and the forward is quickly becoming a firm fans favourite at Roots Hall.

The striker also possesses infectious enthusiasm on and off the pitch and, while not wanting to get carried away, Blues’ biggest problem concerning the likeable loanee may well be keeping hold of him for the whole season.

However, Pepple was not the only positive as fellow goalscorer Coker again underlined his importance to the team.

Hitting the back of the net often enough has long been a problem for the Shrimpers.

But Coker – more than any other midfielder at the club – has the technique and ability to push for double figures and he showed just why again on Saturday.

His calmly taken effort saw Southend end a run of three successive home defeats with a well-deserved win which made it four games unbeaten for Blues.

It is also four clean sheets in succession for the Shrimpers who had on loan Lincoln City goalkeeper Zach Jeacock between the sticks for the first time.

Jeacock was included due to a slight injury concern to Collin Andeng Ndi and produced a solid performance on debut.

The custodian was not called upon too often but did well to claim and clear a large number of deliveries being thrown and kicked forward into the box.

Blues stood firm where that was concerned and also won the battle in the centre of the park, where James Morton’s play proved key.

The midfielder may not be one to instantly stand out when watching the Shrimpers but his influence on proceedings should not be understated.

It is certainly not a coincidence Blues’ results have improved with Morton in a deeper midfield role.

His presence gives Southend better balance and real intelligence in a key area of the pitch while his wide range of passing is equally as impressive.

However, Morton now faces extreme competition for his place in the starting line-up following the return of Cav Miley.

The experienced midfielder, who had been out since late August with a back problem, played the final eight minutes against Tamworth and his return was another plus point for Maher.

The Shrimpers boss watched on from the directors box at Roots Hall on Saturday as he served a one match touchline ban after being shown three yellow cards.

But, whatever way you look at it, Blues are making progress after a problematic start.

With players returning, Maher now has more ability to make changes and he opted to recall Jack Bridge at left wing-back for Saturday’s showdown.

In doing so, Bridge made his 150th appearance for his hometown club and his loyalty and professionalism definitely deserves to be highlighted.

Bridge and his team-mates will certainly face far tougher tests than Tamworth in the weeks to come.

And, having overcome far scarier times than even Halloween, the Shrimpers are definitely moving in the right direction once again.