MATCH-WINNER Jason Demetriou says Southend United had waited so long for a victory they did not know how to celebrate Saturday’s win at Accrington Stanley.

Demetriou’s second half penalty saw the Shrimpers triumph 2-1 at the Crown Ground.

But the Cyprus international felt Blues - who had not won in League One since September - had forgotten how to mark a victory at the final whistle.

“It was a bit weird,” said Demetriou.

“I don’t think the boys knew how to celebrate because it’s been so long.

“We had a bit of banter about that but it’s a huge relief to get the win because it’s been a long time.

“We’ve come close a few times before but lets hope we can get more of this feeling now.”

The victory was also the first in the League Demetriou had started and finished since seeing off Walsall in October 2018.

And the 32-year-old was thrilled to play a key part in the win after making it seven out of seven from the penalty spot for the Shrimpers.

“It’s a psychological battle with the goalies now because they would have seen where you’ve been going with the penalties,” said Demetriou.

“But hopefully we can get a few more because we’ll take anything at the moment.

“You do put pressure on yourself because, not being horrible, we can’t afford to miss these kind of opportunities, especially a penalty.

“But I feel confident in front of goal at the moment, especially with the penalties, so I was glad we got another one and that the keeper went the other way.”

Demetriou’s goal handed Blues just their second win of the League One season.

And he was impressed with the work-rate of his team-mates.

“Everyone was shattered after the game because we all put a real shift in,” said Demetriou.

“You know what you’ve got to do coming to places like Accrington and that’s to match their work-rate.

“Everyone put their bodies on the line and it was a massive victory for us.

“It’s one we needed massively as well.”

But Demetriou is now determined to build on the win.

“People have been writing us off and they probably have the right to do that, saying we’re done but you never know,” said Demetriou.

“A victory like this could get some momentum going and the boys can’t wait for the next game now. We haven’t had that for a long time so this is a massive and very important victory.”