Tilson: 'We put our chances away and deservedly got the three points'
Amazing what a win, even one, maybe especially one, after nearly three months. Suddenly we're three games unbeaten, even if they were all at home, and five points have been picked up, making the trip to Bristol Rovers Saturday something to be looked forwatd to rather than feared.
Blues boss Steve Tilson was certainly a happier bunny than he's been lately.
Tilly spoke to www.southendunited.co.uk: "It's a fantastic feeling to win to-night. I've just said to the lads, what a great feeling to come off the pitch knowing you've won a game. It was a good performance and the difference was that we put our chances away and deservedly got the three points."
The Shrimpers manager was happy with how the team performed, as well as some oustanding individual performances; as for the supporters, pats on back all round as he looks forward to Saturday's game at the Memorial Stadium.
Tilly continued: "The fans got behind us Tuesday and played a major part. They gave the players a lift and it really does make a difference. We now go to Bristol Rovers, but it's a game we'll look forward to after tonight. I believe we can stay up and I'll be getting that into the players. We have to believe we can get out of this and I certainly believe we are good enough to do that."
Hutchings: 'It was a bad tackle'
On the other hand a dejected Saddlers boss Chris Hutchings accepted his team were second best on the night.
Hutchings spoke after the game: "Southend deserved to win. They are fighting for their lives and it showed. We just didn't perform. It was always going to be difficult with 10 men but even before then we were off the pace."
To his credit, the Walsall manager had no complaints about McDonald's staright red card.
Hutchings said: "It was a bad tackle. It's as simple as that."