SOUTHEND United manager Sol Campbell was impressed by his Shrimpers side – despite losing 1-0 at Sunderland this afternoon.

A first half header from Luke O’Nien saw the Black Cats claim all three points at the Stadium of Light.

But Campbell – who was in charge of Blues for the second time – was encouraged by the performance.

“It’s another defeat but the performances are getting better,” said Campbell.

“We looked nervous at the beginning but we grew as the game went on.

“Sunderland had a bit more possession but so did we the longer it went on and the lads played really, really well.

“It was a great performance.

“Yes, we’ve lost but we stayed in the game.

“We just need a little bit of luck in front of goal now but we have to work hard to earn that luck.”

The Shrimpers remain second from bottom in the League One table with just five points from 16 games.