SOUTHEND United moved up a place to 12th in the Division Three standings after recording their first away win of the year at Sincil Bank this afternoon.

Right flankman Steven Clark gave Blues the perfect start after seven minutes when he latched onto makeshift striker Rob Newman's through ball.

As the static Lincoln rearguard waited in vain for an offside flag, Clark calmly slotted past Alan Marriott to send the 226 travelling fans into ecstacy.

Blues created other chances and saw Newman pull out a left-footed half-volley just after the break, before Clark was prevented from getting his second by substitute shotstopper Darren Horrigan.

Shrimpers manager Newman shook his team up following Tuesday's 2-1 derby defeat at Leyton Orient with Daniel Gay, David McSweeney and Johnson all starting against the Red Imps.

All three made comfortable performances with goalkeeper Gay taking the lion's share of the plaudits.

The rookie keeper dived to deny City winger Kingsley Black in the first half before bravely diving at the feet of midfielder Justin Walker after the break.

And 11 minutes from time the former Norwich City custodian tipped Black's rising powerhouse shot over the bar.

Southend are in action again on Saturday when they face fourth-placed Scunthorpe United. The Iron beat Carlisle United 2-1 at Glanford Park today.