Penney praises defensive qualty

DAVE PENNEY hailed defensive duo Sean Gregan and Dean Brill as Athletic’s two outstanding players in the victory at Roots Hall.

The manager said: “Sean is a man mountain and he has been fantastic since he has come back to the club.

“He is a leader among all the young boys around him and we need his experience.

“When you have corners, free kicks and throw-ins coming into the box, you need your keeper to help you out at times and Dean did that.

“He has had two clean sheets in a row and hopefully that will build up his confidence.”

Penney was delighted with his side’s “first-class” display, though he added there is still scope for improvement.

He was unhappy with the number of free kicks his team needlessly conceded, saying most of the danger Southend posed came from them. He also found fault with some of his team’s tackling, which he felt could have been better.

Penney said: “Overall it was a first-class display.

“ You have to come to places like this and battle and we are delighted with the win.

“Now we have two home games which we hope to capitalise on and build on what we have done.”