SOUTHEND United got their promotion push back on track with a 3-0 win over relegation battling Rushden.
The Blues lost 1-0 to struggling Mansfield on Tuesday but bossed their New Year's Day match against the Diamonds.
Southend skipper Kevin Maher's first goal of the season opened the scoring on 17 minutes.
Former Rushden defender Andy Edwards doubled the advantage after 59 minutes.
And Mark Bentley headed the final goal home on 90 minutes to see the Shrimpers maintain their fourth place in the League Two standings.
Full match report, photos and reactions in Monday's Echo
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