Manager John Sheridan praised his players' ability to grind out a result after they made it six League points from two away games.

Latics followed up the 1-0 win at Northampton with another victory as Chris Taylor and Lee Hughes cancelled out James Walker's opener for the hosts.

The Roots Hall contest was played in tough conditions and can hardly be considered a classic, but the visitors did enough to see off a side fancied for promotion.

"It wasn't a great game," Sheridan admitted. "But the main thing is three points and I was very pleased with our reaction after going a goal down.

"We came back strongly and gave them a few problems. Now we've got to get on a run and see where that takes us.

"I'd possibly say that was one of the worst games we've played this season, but we looked solid at times and it was windy out there.

"Sometimes you take what you can and fortunately for us that's three points."

Walker's strike gave Southend the lead early in the second half, but Taylor popped up to meet Andy Liddell's corner to head home the equaliser.

Hughes struck the winner with a delightful volley from the right-hand side of the box - his seventh goal of the season - and Shez was delighted with both players.

He added: "That's another good goal for Chris - it was a great finish and a great ball in from Andy.

"Hughesy knew what he was doing for the second. He hit the target and it was a great goal, and that's what he's all about.

"Southend are a strong and organised team and not many teams will win here so this is a great result."