PAUL Cook praised his side’s resilience as they claimed the first clean sheet of his tenure to record victory at Southend on the opening day of the League Two season.

The Reds had gone 22 games without a shut-out since John Coleman’s last match in charge at Aldershot in January, but goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin produced a number of saves to ensure that Karl Sheppard’s header would be enough for all three points.

It was also Cook’s first away win as boss and the club’s first since a 2-0 victory at Burton at the turn of the year.

“We had a few lads making their league debuts and at times we were very nervous in the first half,” Cook said.

“We had a nice pop at them at half time because we want them to go and express themselves and play the way we know they can.

“At times in the second half we were a lot better.

“The biggest pleasing thing was that we defended really well.

“Ian Dunbavin was outstanding. We had a lot of good performances and the lads showed a great will to see the game out against a very strong Southend side.

“We had a couple of chances and we’ve got to be resilient and hard to beat.

“We were great defensively.

“There are still one or two more signings coming in, which is great for the club.

“It will be an exciting signing or two and will take our age a little bit up as well.

“We’re in the loan market as well.”