Southend United chief Rob Newman was a happy man after watching his side cruise to a 2-0 Roots Hall triumph over Third Division promotion candidates Scunthorpe on Saturday.

That's the way -- Boss Rob Newman congratulates Leon Cort on his goal. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL 8cbq633m

First-half strikes from Shrimpers defender Leon Cort and Newman himself, again playing as an emergency frontman, put paid to the Iron's challenge.

And the beaming Southend boss, who made it 89 goals in 821 League and cup appearances at the weekend, believed his team were full value for their victory.

"Scunthorpe are one of the better sides in our division -- fourth place in the League doesn't lie -- but we have come out worthy 2-0 winners," said the 38-year-old.

"Leon's given us a great start with a good finish at the far-post and luckily I was in the right place at the right time to add a second, which gave us a nice cushion.

"And overall it was an excellent team display. Every Southend player gave 110 per cent effort and we played some good football.

"Another big bonus was the fact that we only had 16 fit bodies again against Scunthorpe. But all the boys have done extremely well and it's great to see the squad players who have been drafted in carry on taking their chance to make an impression."

And Blues' other goal-scorer, 22-year-old centre-half Cort, confirmed he would be signing a new one-year Roots Hall contract today.

"I want to stay with Southend and I want to get myself sorted out as quickly as possible," said the defender.

"Over the last few months I've been playing consistently and working with the manager, who has played at the highest level in my position, can only help me improve.

"I've also been getting among the goals."

Finally, Newman said he would be coming down hard on 20-year-old winger Steven Clark, who was sent-off for a head-butt on Scunthorpe's Nathan Stanton.

"I spoke to Steven after the game and apparently he's put his head to the Scunthorpe lad's head," explained Newman.

"Steven's a silly boy to do that in the dying seconds of a match we had sewn up and he will be dealt with internally."

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Published Monday, March 25, 2002