Swansea City secured three valuable points as they secured a hard-fought 2-0 win at Southend United.
The Swans scored twice in three second-half minutes and held on to the victory despite having Kevin Nugent sent off in the closing stages.
The Shrimpers produced a woeful performance in front of their lowest home crowd of the season with Kristian O'Leary going close to giving the Swans an early lead when his header went just over the bar, Daniel Marney headed Kevin Maher's cross straight at Neil Cutler as Southend hit back before Tes Bramble wasted a good opportunity to open the scoring.
At the other end James Thomas headed wide before Brian Flynn's side took the lead on the hour.
Lee Jenkins was felled by the combined efforts of Damon Searle and Stuart Thurgood and James Thomas coolly netted from the spot-kick.
Just two minutes later Swansea doubled their lead when Nugent netted from close range.
The veteran striker was sent off almost immediately for appearing to elbow Damon Searle.
However, although Leon Cort went close to grabbing a consolation goal for the hosts, Swansea held on reasonably comfortably to record a vital win.