Steve Tilson admitted he was left with plenty of positives from a "fantastic" win at home to Leeds United.
The Blues chief was delighted to take away the three points against a side he knows will be serious challengers for promotion at the end of the season.
World TV: Bosses Leeds Reaction
Report: Southend United 1 Leeds United 0
Alongside the excellent free kick from Dan Harding which won the match, Tilson also reserved praise for the performances of Francis Laurent and Alex Revell, who ran themselves into the ground.
"It was a good performance tonight and a fantastic result," Steve told Blues World.
"Leeds are a tough team to play against and will be there at the end of the season, which made it an even better result.
"There were lots of pluses to take away, especially the fact we have kept a clean sheet.
"We kept a good shape when we were in possession, which we had to do, as Leeds would have made it awkward for us.
"They are a good footballing side, but I was really pleased with the way we went forward.
"We got into some promising positions, but we perhaps didn't take a gamble on the final ball at times.
"Dan hadn't threatened too much from set plays for us before, but he scored a fantastic goal tonight and could have had a second when their goalkeeper made a good save.
"Francis Laurent and Alex Revell have run themselves into the ground and I had to bring them off in the end, as they had nothing left.
"All night they were an absolute handful. Revs was winning headers and Francis with his feet was turning everyone; I couldn't ask anymore from them."
