KEV'S MEN SHOW BIG CHARACTER

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher praised the spirit of his side after they twice fought back to hold high-flying Forest Green Rovers at Roots Hall.

- Jason Creasey

Second-half equalisers from Nathan Ralph and Oli Coker secured the Shrimpers a deserved share of the spoils.

And Maher was happy with how Southend reacted to going behind just a week after their disappointing 2-0 defeat at Altrincham.

“The lads deserve so much credit,” said Maher. “We weren’t good enough last week and we wanted a reaction. I was asked in the week about fire being in the belly well there was that and some today. I was pleased with that but I said I wouldn’t ever question it anyway.

“We’re transitioning at the moment and we’re against a team who have signed very, very good players so for us to perform like that is a credit to everyone.”