RICKY Duncan felt Southend United’s senior players also contributed massively to Saturday’s success.

Goalkeeper Mark Oxley, defenders Jason Demetriou and John White, midfielder Mark Milligan and winger Stephen McLaughlin all started against Lincoln City.

And Duncan thought they played a pivotal part in Blues bagging their first home win of the season.

“The senior pros were great and they really helped the young players,” said Duncan.

“The way they conducted themselves around the young players was a credit to themselves and the club as well.

“The kids will get the limelight but there was a big backbone who helped them through and I thought there was a really good blend.”

Tom Clifford was among one of the youngsters to be helped by those around him.

And Duncan felt the left-back was helped by heading out on loan to National League South side Concord Rangers earlier this season.

“Concord was a great loan for Tom,” said Duncan.

“Danny Scopes really treated him well there.

“I remember Danny saying he couldn’t believe Tom wasn’t getting called back but he was happy he wasn’t!

“After the game Danny was one of the first people I text to say thanks for what they did for Tom.

“He gained a lot of confidence from his loan and he’s come on a lot personality wise too.

“I thought he was one of our better players on the day and he really started to believe he could do it.

“Tom’s got great quality.

“He’s been here a long time and his positional play has improved so much.

“He could be a good find for us and hopefully he’ll get a run in the team now.”

And Harry Phillips was another to impress with the midfielder hitting the crossbar before Charlie Kelman fired home the rebound to open the scoring.

“I’m pleased for Harry because he’s one we’ve been pushing,” said Duncan.

“We’ve got into him with Craig (Fagan) and he’s got a finish on him.

“He’s not frightened to have a shot and I thought he played with real maturity on Saturday.

“He’s going to make mistakes and get into tussles where they are a bit stronger than him at the moment because he’s still developing.

“But he played some great stuff and I’m just gutted he went off with a knee injury.”