Southend manager Paul Sturrock was full of praise for defender Ryan Cresswell after his side's 3-2 win at Bristol Rovers.
The centre-back dominated proceedings at the heart of defence and proved his worth at the other end when he bagged what proved to be the game's eventual matchwinner.
"Ryan picked up a head injury on Saturday and it was down to him whether he played," said Sturrock. "The ball was drawn to his head like a magnet in our box so all credit to him.
"We have had a dreadful time with injuries, but now we are getting somewhere near full strength and it's making a difference.
"We played really well in the first half and, although we sat back off Rovers for a period in the second, we were well worth the three points.
"Barry Corr is approaching full fitness and we have a decent squad to choose from again, so I'm hopeful we can push on from here."
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