Southend have survived a winding-up petition this month, but things still look pretty bleak for them, particularly after the visit of Port Vale.
Vale's Louis Dodds replaced midfielder Doug Loft, who'd had two ribs broken and a punctured lung against Chesterfield. Even without the influential Loft, Vale took control from the start.
In the fourth minute, Justin Richards opened the scoring when he headed home Marc Richards' pinpoint cross from close range.
On 54 minutes Louis Dodds made it 2-0. Roberts set up Sean Rigg on the break, and his shot deflected to Dodd to finish from a tight angle.
Justin Richards returned the favour for his namesake Marc with a neat lay off. Marc Richards shot from the edge of the area secured the points in the 83rd minute.
Gareth Owen's late own goal for Southend was little more than an unlucky deflection.
Three away wins on the trot for Vale. Next? Craven Cottage...