Southend United's veteran defender Rob Newman admitted "It was good to be back" after starring in Blues' 1-0 victory at Torquay United on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old stopper was drafted into the Seasiders' rearguard, which had conceded 12 goals in its previous five Third Division outings, for the first-time this season at Plainmoor.

And the experienced campaigner played a key-role in shutting-out the high-flying Gulls, ensuring Shrimpers striker Martin Carruthers' ninth goal of the campaign was enough to seal maximum points.

"It was great to be playing again and I'd like to think I've proved a point against Torquay," said Newman, whose appearance at Plainmoor was his first for eight months.

"I've shown the manager I can still perform at this level and hopefully now I can play my part in helping Southend climb the league table - be it as a first-team regular or squad player."

Newman had been missing in action, following a series of groin and hernia operations over the summer, and revealed he had asked his team-mates for a helping hand.

"I asked the rest of the lads to help pull me through the first 15 minutes as it felt strange to be back on the pitch with the senior squad again," said Newman.

"I've had a long career, which has taken in more than 700 first-team games, but I don't mind admitting I was nervous before the kick-off, although I soon settled down.

"We looked solid in defence against Torquay, and with me, Simon Coleman and Mark Prudhoe - the 30 somethings - playing at the back, we certainly had experience on our side.

"There was plenty of talking among the lads and we held a very high-line which frustrated Torquay's forwards, who weren't allowed a sniff at goal.

"The whole team set its stall out before kick-off and were rewarded with three points for sticking to a game-plan in rough conditions for 90 minutes, thanks to a resilient display."

Beaming Blues boss Alan Little was also full of praise for his battling heroes, who had to earn their win bonus on a sticky mudbath of a pitch.

"We matched Torquay player for player on a very difficult surface and were good value for our win," said the Southend chief, whose side remain rooted to 13th place in the league standings, despite their Devon success.

"The pitch was bad and we had to sacrifice some aspects of our passing game as there was only one-way this match could be played.

"We had to clear the ball quickly out of our own half and try to play what football we could around their penalty area.

"But what was more rewarding for me was the way my players proved they do have that extra bit of quality, by turning a game inevitably heading towards a draw into a victory with a late goal."

New midfielder Nigel Pepper, playing his second game on loan from Scottish Premier Division outfit Aberdeen, was another happy man.

"I've played two games now and we haven't lost which is very pleasing and I'm sure we can get much better," he said.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.