SOUTHEND United’s fans did not quite outnumber those of Dagenham & Redbridge in the end at Victoria Road.

But it was their supporters who made the short journey home with the county’s League Two bragging rights.

Blues had 1,481 supporters in a crowd of 3,239.

And, on current form, it is their followers who could well be celebrating more than most other clubs for the remainder of the season.

Southend were definitely not at their best against a pumped-up Dagenham side, but they were still able to grind out another victory to take their points tally to 41 from just 18 games.

Only once before in the last 10 years has a team in League Two had so many points at this stage of the season and that was when Walsall also had 41 points in the 2006/07 season.

They went on to win the league that year with 89 points, while the last time Southend were promoted from this level they had just 27 points at this time.

Even Paul Sturrock’s all-conquering Plymouth side, who won the league with 102 points in 2001/02 had only 38 points after 18 games, while Southend had 20 points at this time last term.

That again underlines the immense improvements Blues have made in the last 12 months.

But there is still plenty of hard work to be done if promotion is to be achieved this season and that was shown on Saturday.

Dagenham came into the clash just above the relegation zone with just one win in their last 13 outings, yet they proved to be incredibly tough opponents.

Daggers enjoyed spells of pressure and were probably a little unfortunate to not claim a share of the spoils.

Only a stunning late save from Luke Daniels stopped the hosts from scoring a third equaliser.

And their determined display will send out a definite warning to Southend, who will now realise that nothing will be achieved easily this season.