SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher praised the spirit of his side after they twice fought back to draw 2-2 with high-flying Forest Green Rovers at Roots Hall.

Second half equalisers from Nathan Ralph and Oli Coker secured the Shrimpers a deserved share of the spoils.

And Maher was happy with how Southend reacted to going behind just a week after their disappointing 2-0 defeat at Altrincham.

“The lads deserve so much credit,” said Maher.

“We weren't good enough last week and we wanted a reaction.

“I was asked in the week about fire being in the belly well there was that and some today.

“I was pleased with that but I said I wouldn't ever question it anyway.

“We're transitioning at the moment and we're against a team who have signed very, very good players so for us to perform like that is a credit to everyone in the team."

Forest Green twice led with Harvey Bunker and Christian Doidge both on target.

But Maher felt the Shrimpers fully deserved at least a point.

“On the balance of the game, with chances and everything else we more than deserved that (the point) and possibly more,” said Maher.

"Not many teams will go on the front foot against them like that.

“We're trying to push them back but you can see their quality on the break.

“We're really pleased with the team's character and the intensity we played at in the second half too. “

And Blues were also boosted by a change of shape midway through the second half which saw the hosts switch to 4-3-3.

“We changed shape and got our tactics right I hope, with Plan B or whatever you want to call it,” said Maher.

“We knew the game would be like that and we thought it would pan out the way it did in terms of their shape.

“Bridgey (Jack Bridge) had a bug this week and it was touch and go whether or not he was going to play.

“He was throwing up today and there's been a bit of that going through the team.

“ Zach Jeacock's had it and a few others so all credit to the players.

“We changed things and we think we got on top.

“Obviously we got done with a sucker punch but to come back again was pleasing."