SOUTHEND United skipper Sam Mantom was thrilled to end a turbulent spell with a 3-0 triumph against Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

The injury-hit Shrimpers went into the clash at Roots Hall having been beaten in five of their last six League games.

And Mantom, who was among Blues’ goalscorers in the win, was thrilled to get back on track after enduring ‘one of his toughest ever times’ in football.

“We know we need to string some results together because this has been one of the toughest times I’ve ever had as a professional,” said Mantom.

“What with the injuries and then the results it’s been tough. Some days we have nine lads training and it’s been difficult to prepare for matches but we’ve done pretty well and we’ve gone back into the top half of the table so it’s not looking too bad.”

Mantom was joined on the scoresheet by Simon Cox and Theo Robinson. And the midfielder felt it was vital for Chris Powell’s side to secure victory.

“It’s a big win,” said Mantom.

“It wasn’t a day for football and we just had to scrap to get the three points.We knew we needed a result and I think everyone could see we really wanted it.”

Blues now sit 12th in the League One standings after emerging victorious in conditions Mantom claimed were ‘brutal’ to play in.

“The conditions were really, really brutal,” said the 26-year-old.

“I’ve never felt like that on a football pitch before and it was hard to see at times because the wind and freezing rain was going into our faces.”

But, despite that, Blues were still able to come out on top. And it was Mantom who set the Shrimpers on their way with his fourth goal in seven games.

“I’m delighted with the four goals and it’s a decent return compared to the start of the season when I didn’t score any,” said Mantom.

“At the minute I’m getting those chances and they’re going in.”

And Mantom’s latest effort came with him playing on the right hand side of midfield.

He added: “I took one for the team and I’m happy to do whatever. It was half midfielder, half winger but I enjoyed it with Elvis (Bwomono) and we were solid.”