SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock heaped praise on his hard-working side after they dumped League One Preston North End out of the FA Cup.

Blues striker Liam Dickinson bagged the only goal of the first round replay at Roots Hall on Tuesday night.

And Sturrock felt it was definitely a deserved victory.

“I thought we worked very hard and shaded the game in the end,” said Sturrock.

“The first half was pretty even and quite scrappy as well so I told the players at half-time that we needed we step it up one gear.

“I thought we did that to take the lead but then we got sloppy again and decided to hang on to what we had.

“That can often be quite dangerous but they played showed a really good attitude to stay in front and get a really good win.”

The triumph came after Sturrock had decided to field a stronger than he originally anticipated selecting.

The Scotsman had toyed with resting Liam Dickinson in attack and Mark Phillips at the back.

But, in the end, he opted to make just one change to his team as Neil Harris returned to the starting line-up with Jean-Paul Kalala dropping down to the bench.

“I thought about resting players and leaving one or two out who had knocks but the players wanted to play and I like that character they have,” said Sturrock.

“We wanted to have a real go as well and we’re really pleased to have kept our good run going with another fine win.”

Blues will now play Oldham Athletic in the second round of the FA Cup at Roots Hall at the start of December.

However, before then Southend host Bristol Rovers this Saturday as they return to league action.

And Sturrock is expecting a real test against the Pirates.

“I think this will be a dangerous and difficult game,” said Sturrock.

“I fancied Bristol Rovers to do well this season and they will be looking to get back on track after a disappointing defeat to Barnet.

“They have a lot of good players and we will definitely have to play well to beat them.”

Southend have injury doubts over defensive duo Phillips (hamstring) and Peter Gilbert (groin).

But Sturrock does not yet know how serious the injuries they suffered against Preston actually are.

“You have to give these things time to settle down and we will know more about the injuries after we’ve taken another look today,” added Sturrock.