Southend United left-back Damon Searle admitted his wonder goal winner during Saturday's 2-1 Roots Hall victory over high-flying Rushden and Diamonds was the greatest of his long career.

Striker Mark Rawle and Searle put Blues two goals ahead against second placed Rushden inside the first six minutes.

It's a cracker - Damon Searle is congratulated on his goal by fellow defener Stephen Kelly

Former Shrimpers defender Barry Hunter reduced the deficit for the visitors just before the interval, but Southend held on to earn a narrow win and move within four points of the play-offs in 12th place.

And after helping his team claim a hard fought triumph 31-year-old Searle took time to reflect on his stunning 35-yard strike.

"I don't get too many, but that was definitely the best one of my career and I'll be getting the club video," said the experienced Welshman, who has played well over 500 games.

"It was my first goal of the season and the first I have scored since I hit the winner up at Rushden last season, but I haven't got it in for them, that's just the way it goes sometimes.

"The goal came out of nowhere really. The ball just fell out of the sky and I had a pop, which luckily for me flew into the net.

"None of the lads could believe it and if anyone had seen my shooting in training the other day they would have seen just why as it was awful.

"But I obviously saved up all my training ground shots for this one and it was very nice to score a goal of that quality."

But Searle was not prepared to steal all the limelight and paid tribute to his team mates for grinding out a creditable success against Rushden.

"We got off to a great start, but had to battle for our lives in the end and all the players gave everything to get this win," he added.

More on Southend United FC

What are your views on Southend? Have your say on our Views on the Blues bulletin board.

Published Monday, February 24, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo