Modest Southend United defender Leon Cort paid tribute to his team mates after netting a stunning hat-trick of headers during Saturday's 4-2 Roots Hall win over Boston.
Front-runner Mark Rawle got Blues' other goal, with Richard Logan and Mark Angel replying for the rock bottom visitors, as the Seasiders cemented their first home victory for more than two months.
Cort of appeal - Leon Cort is congratulated on his second goal by Southend team-mates Graeme Jones and Mark Rawle Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY
"To get a hat-trick is a dream come true -- it's like Christmas has come early," said 23-year-old Cort, who now has five goals for the season.
"But if the ball is played into the right areas I always fancy my chances of getting on the scoresheet.
"And the rest of the lads deserve just as much of the credit as the delivery of our free-kicks against Boston was perfect.
"If I was honest though I'd have to say I'm a touch disappointed I didn't get another goal, as I had a couple of other good chances.
"But I'm not going to be greedy, I'm quite happy to settle for three goals and three points for the team."
Southend boss Rob Newman, whose team are still 14th in Division Three, said he was lost for words after his side had built up a commanding 3-0 half-time lead.
"When was the last time we were in such a strong position at half-time? I just didn't know what to say in the changing room," he admitted.
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Published Monday, December 16, 2002
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