SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher felt the Shrimpers overcame a sloppy start to see off Solihull Moors.

A brace from Oli Coker and a second half strike from Harry Cardwell handed Blues a 3-0 win at the ARMCO Arena.

But Maher admitted his side were not at their best early on.

“We started sloppily,” said Maher.

“There were unforced errors and we lacked a bit of confidence from the beginning.

“I was getting told to sort it out by one or two in the crowd but once we settled, calmed ourselves down and showed a bit of composure we got ourselves into pockets.

“We had underlaps and cutbacks which the first goal came from too and that settled everyone down.”

Coker fired the Shrimpers in front after 22 minutes before he made it 2-0 before the break after some impressive approach play from Marcus Dackers, which earned praise from Maher.

“Dackers did brilliantly for the second goal and he’s got it in him to do that,” said Maher.

“Unfortunately he didn’t get a goal tonight but his all round game was brilliant.

“He showed why we got him last time and why we got him back.

“It was a good finish from Cokes too.”

Blues stayed on top after Coker’s second goal and made it 3-0 just past the hour mark with Cardwell on target for the 16th time this season.

And Maher was pleased with the second half display.

“We started the second really well,” said Maher.

“We looked really bright with Bridgey and Wes (Fonguck) in pockets but we had to wait for that third goal.

“Kens (Ollie Kensdale) has shown good composure.

“I thought he was going to shoot but it was a great through ball through to Cards who finished it off.

“It’s been a good night.”