Phillips: 'Our hard work made it easier than it could've been'

 

Shrimpers centre-back Mark Phillips grabbed his eighth goal of the an incredibly successful campaign in finding the back of the old onion bag.

 

And his header against Port Vale on Saturday launched his side to a straightforward 3-0 win against a dispirited Port Vale team, while helping gain the points that saw Southend end the day back in second place.

 

The former Lion had previously scored two career goals in 142 games, but now he's greedy for more in just one season.

 

Phillips told www.southendunited.co.uk: “Scoring goals is becoming something of a habit for me now. Right from early doors I thought that I'd aim for double figures this season and I really do feel it's realistic now.”

 

However, Phillips was not having that it was a stroll in the park.

 

He said: “Our hard work made it easier than it could've been. I thought we played really well and put them under all kinds of pressure. They were getting players booked all over the park and ended up getting one sent off as well because of how hard we were working.”

 

Not doubting that Mark, but it still looked like a training session at times from the stands!

 

Still, it gave the Shrimpers their first win at Roots Hall for six matches, the 1-0 Cup replay win against Preston on Tuesday, November 22nd, the last time they also kept a clean sheet!

 

Phillips concluded:“We were all desperate for the clean sheet. We had played well at the back in the last few games but hadn't been rewarded with what we deserved so it was nice to finally do it.”

 

Not as nice as watching the real United back in the saddle again, bring on the Cobblers next weekend.