Southend United youngster Daniel Webb hopes his goal in the 1-1 Roots Hall friendly draw with Gillingham will keep him in Blues' starting line-up.

The 18-year-old striker bagged his fifth pre-season goal against the First Division outfit during the first-half, only for Marlon King to save the Gills' blushes with an equaliser after the interval.

Now Webb, the son of Blues boss David, is aiming to grab the goals when the real action starts in the Third Division against Darlington at Roots Hall on Saturday.

"I've been pleased with my form over the summer and the goals won't do my chances any harm at all," said the level-headed teenager.

"But this goal was more important than any of my others as it was the first I had scored at Roots Hall and it was against strong opposition.

"I realise I'm a long way from being the finished article, but I can go away from this game boosted by another goal and think about how I need to improve even further.

"I don't think my Dad believes that I'm ready for a first team starting slot just yet, but all I can do is keep plugging away and give him food for thought.

"We've got a lot of strikers at Roots Hall now and I want to make sure I am at the front of the pecking order."

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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