SOUTHEND United winger Mark Gower reckoned Blues were pleased to have picked up a point at in-form Mansfield Town on Saturday.

The influential midfielder netted a fine second half strike to cancel out an earlier effort from the Stags' Adam Murray.

Gower's goal secured a vital share of the spoils for a Shrimpers side who still sit fourth in the League Two table.

"We always knew Mansfield away was going to be a very hard game so we're satisfied with a point - but at the same time we're obviously not over the moon," said the former Barnet man.

"Right now Mansfield are among the top six sides on the form guide and they have been getting some excellent results so to go to their place and draw is OK, especially after going a goal behind."

Gower was also delighted to have netted for the first time since early November after impressively swapping passes with striker Freddy Eastwood to slam home a well-struck shot.

"It was great to see it go in and hopefully I can get a few more now," said the 26-year-old.

"I passed it onto Freddy and carried on my run which he managed to pick out - although I'm not sure he meant to pass it to me."

Full match report and pictures in Monday's Echo