Delighted Phil hails ‘heroic’ Thompson

SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown heaped praise on Adam Thompson after the fitagain defender bagged the only goal of the game.

The centre-back was making just his third start of the season after spending seven months on the sidelines with a dislocated shoulder.

And Brown was delighted for the defender to secure the Shrimpers a 1-0 win with his first goal for the club.

“It was a heroic goal from Tommo and he deserves it,” said Brown.

“He intercepted a pass and carried on his run.

“He’s ended up with the winning goal and I’m delighted for him because he’s worked so hard both on and off the pitch.

“He’s wanted to prove himself at this level and slowly but surely he’s doing that now.”

Thompson’s effort also ended a run of four league games without a win for the Shrimpers.

But Brown admitted it had been tough for his team to triumph in the blustery conditions.

“It was a grind for us out there,” said the 56-year-old.

“The weather conditions weren’t conducive for a good game of football and I was happy to be level at half-time after they hit the bar.

“We had opportunities to work the keeper but never tested him. But we kept on knocking at the door and it eventually opened.”

Thompson’s goal came 14 minutes from time but team-mate Kevan Hurst could twice have given Southend the lead during the first half but delayed shooting in front of goal when presented with decent opportunities.

In reply, Blackpool striker Andy Little headed against the underside of the crossbar from 12 yards before his fellow forward Mark Cullen sliced wide of the right post.

After the break, Blackpool defender Tom Aldred fired straight at Southend goalkeeper Daniel Bentley from 12 yards.

But the Shrimpers hit back to net the winner on 76 minutes when Thompson played the ball out to David Worrall before charging into the box and heading home his inswinging cross. And that left Blackpool boss Neil McDonald ruing his side’s failure to finish in front of goal as they crashed to a sixth successive defeat.

“We had some great chances to score but we aren’t getting enough goals at the moment,” said McDonald, whose side now sit second from bottom in the table.

“Andy (Little) hit the bar and Mark (Cullen) should have scored after that as well.

“Sometimes these missed chances come back to haunt you and it certainly did here.

“At the other end, Southend didn’t make too many chances.”