Stephen McLaughlin stars as Southend defeat Coventry

STEPHEN MCLAUGHLIN’S fine season with Southend United continued today with a 3-1 win over Coventry at Roots Hall.

The former Finn Harps and Derry City wide man was named as the Fans’ Man of the Match as Southend extended their unbeaten run in League One to nine matches.

Anthony Wordsworth fired Southend ahead after just six minutes.

McLaughlin – who has scored six goals so far this season – was a constant menace for the home side, who extended their lead when Anton Ferdinand scored his first goal for the club.

McLaughlin’s low drive came off the post and ended in the net, via a deflection off the unfortunate Lee Burge.

Coventry pulled a late consolation back through Daniel Agyei, but Southend, managed by Phil Brown, are on song and are in eighth position, just a point off a play-off spot.

Stephen McLaughlin has won today's fan Man Of The Match vote, keep up the top work @stephenmac15! 👍 🔵 pic.twitter.com/Th8X9ksmQp

— Southend United Fans (@SUFC_fans) December 10, 2016