SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock heaped praise on his side after their heroic 1-0 win over Gillingham at Roots Hall tonight.

Blues played the final 24 minutes with 10 men after Bilel Mohsni was sent off for two yellow cards.

But Sturrock’s side still picked up all three points, thanks to a late header from Mark Phillips.

“I’m exasperated after watching that but to win in those circumstances is very encouraging and pleasing,” said Sturrock.

“The lads all rolled their sleeves up and got stuck in and it just shows you what’s possible if you do that.

“It was completely different to the Swindon game on Saturday and this was the reaction we wanted.”

However, Sturrock was not pleased with the decision to send off Mohsni.

And he felt the second yellow card, which was shown when the makeshift striker intentionally blocked a Garry Richards free-kick, was particularly harsh.

“That was just never a booking and I thought it was a very harsh sending off,” said Sturrock.

“But the lad doesn’t help himself sometimes and his dramatics are now starting to annoy referees.”