Slocombe - Decent all round display I thought. Claimed some crosses, good distribution, didn’t panic with the ball at his feet. Don’t think he could do anything about the goal actually, it was a good finish albeit at his near post - 6
Brindley - Not his best performance. Initially did well to track and partially block the cross for the goal but his tempo, passing and general forward play was, by his standards, below average - 6
Lacey - Having him, Cameron and Brindley in a back three fills me with confidence, easily our best defence IMO. Won almost every header and played with the poise and class we are accustomed to - 7
Cameron - Special mention to this guy. I didn’t really ‘get him’ at first but he has been great this season. That we haven’t lost a game with him in the side speaks volumes. Always tries to get the ball moving forward, good reading of the game and a constant threat going forward….and he has such good feet! Capped a good defensive display with a classy headed finish - 8
Richardson - We’ve been crying out for a player like this at RWB. An initially quiet debut whilst we tried to get into the game but he was constantly taking up great positions. His physicality and speed was a constant menace in the second half and could have had a goal to add to his assist. When was the last time our right wing was the most dangerous outlet? Miller won’t fancy marking him at Chesterfield - 7
Taylor - A quiet sort of game for him. He didn’t do anything wrong as such but was a peripheral figure as we targeted the Southend’s left back more frequently. Was he injured when he came off? Parsons was an improvement when he was introduced - 6
Palmer - My favourite player but yesterday was difficult for him as Southend targeted him time and time again. No coincidence that when he played poorly the whole team did in the first half, but the second half saw him up his game significantly. Not MOTM for me but still a solid display - 7
Vincent - Such energy, enthusiasm and happiness when he is on the pitch. He just genuinely loves playing and being involved and, although a bit raw, he has improved the team since he came into the side. Some good crosses into the box, great movement and a willingness to get stuck in and track back before he was out on his feet and subbed - 8
Roberts - He’s almost back, isn’t he! Signs that Robert’s confidence and belief are returning are showing in his recent displays. His work rate and understanding of his new position are starting to bear fruit and you can see he feels better just by his body language. Still don’t think he’s a CM, which could come back to bite us against better teams, but he showed composure and class in how he took his goal - 7
Rodrigues - Another one who was targeted in the first half. His work rate was magnificent but unfortunately picked up a yellow card that will see him miss the Chesterfield game. Could him and Roberts switch positions for a few games? Not sure about this performance really - 6 (but I could be convinced otherwise!)
Wootton - Everything we’ve come to expect from him actually. Missed two really good headed chances in the first half before poaching his first and using excellent movement to create space to take his second. Great feet, good control for the most part and really caused Southend problems…will be sad to see him go, a great pro and addition for any side for this division and league two - 8
Subs
O’Brien - Replaced Vincent I think. Didn’t have much chance to influence the game that was already won but his usual energy and competitiveness was evident. A good man to have on the bench - 6
Parsons - Thought this was a strange substitution at the time, mainly because Taylor was doing ok I thought. His introduction though injected some attacking threat down that side and two or three times Parsons got in and used the ball intelligently to get the ball across - 7
Francis- One of the forgotten men really. He struggled early in the season, and with Palmer now obvious first choice in that position his chances will be scarce. Having said that, when he came on for the last 10 minutes I thought he did well. Crisp passing, both long and short, and there is obviously a player in there. I wonder if next season will see him really step up - 6
IB - Overall it was a decent display. The first half wasn’t great but with this team and manager you know it won’t be down to the lack of effort. Much more energy and endeavour after the break but we’ll need to improve if we’re to continue this little run we’re on. I like how he uses his subs and manages to improve performances throughout a game. I also like how he lost his temper a few times in the first half with some poor play. I think the players are happy and working hard under him, I hope no other clubs have him on their radar just yet! - 7