Southend United's Scott Houghton destroyed Hartlepool at Victoria Road on Saturday, but the modest left-winger playeddown his own performance.

Houghton pulled the Seasiders out of the mire with an equaliser and then set up two more goals for Rob Newman and Trevor Fitzpatrick which sparked a comeback and a 4-2 victory for the Shrimpers.

"This was a very big result for us," said Houghton, who completed his month's loan spell from Peterborough United at Victoria Road.

"But this win wasn't just about me - this was a team performance. All the lads got stuck in and showed the sort of commitment that is needed to win points and start climbing the table.

"We were all terribly disappointed following last weekend's defeat at home to Barnet, but this was the perfect response and we showed what we are capable of."

The 27-year-old now hopes his inspirational display will convince Blues chairman John Main to open his cheque book and make him a permanent fixture at Roots Hall.

"I've made no secret of the fact that I'd like to make a permanent move to Southend and I'm hopeful that something will be sorted out this week," Houghton added.

"The spirit at this club is first-class and we all believe that we can still figure in the promotion frame this season despite our recent form.

"If the players keep plugging away things will turn around and I want to be a part of that."

Southend's other goalscorer Barry Conlon was also pleased to have been given the chance to show his critics what he is capable of.

The £90,000 September signing from Manchester City has been the target of abuse from the terraces, but his all-action display at Hartlepool will have gone some way to proving his doubters wrong.

"Capping off a brilliant win for the team by scoring a goal was the icing on the cake for me," said the 19-year-old, who has failed to make the starting line-up for the last three games before Saturday.

"I know my boss Alvin Martin has been worried about playing me in games at Roots Hall because of the stick I've been getting from the fans.

"But I want him to play me now so I can build on this performance and score more goals for Southend."

Relieved Southend manager Martin could afford a smile after watching his side win away from Roots Hall for the first time since their 2-0 triumph at Brighton in September.

"I still wasn't pleased with the way we started," Martin said, however. "We conceded another sloppy early goal and were lucky not to fall further behind.

"I was also disappointed when we gave them a consolation goal in the last minute.

"The one thing that did please me was that we took our chances, which is something we haven't done this season."

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