Southend manager Paul Sturrock was delighted by his team's performance and that of Britt Assombalonga, in his side's 3-0 win at Rotherham.
It was Assombalonga who led the Southend goal charge. He had a first-half effort ruled out for offside, but he nodded home David Martin's cross after 51 minutes and then added a second 14 minutes later from Sean Clohessy's cross.
And he had a hand in the third. His shot was pushed on to the crossbar by Millers goalkeeper Scott Shearer and Martin headed home the rebound from close range.
Sturrock said: "We have had a couple of results that went against us, but I think we have showed we have some quality players. They worked their tails off the whole game and kept their shape which has been really important and the front two have caused mayhem.
"Last season was a big disappointment to us not to make the play-off final, but we have restructured the team and it took a while for them to settle, but they are now learning what the score is. As we get more players back, they are competing for places. It's a very young team but they are learning quickly.
"Assombalonga could have had four. He is so keen to learn. He comes in and asks questions. I've never really had a player like that. The strength and stamina he has is incredible."
