SHAUN Goater fired Southend United to a 3-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers at Roots Hall on Saturday - and then played down his part in securing a fourth successive win for the Shrimpers.

The former Manchester City man hit home a double strike to send Steve Tilson's side up to third in the League One standings.

But the experienced front-runner, who was again joined on the score-sheet by young James Lawson, insisted the win was down to the Southend defence and not his fine finishing in front of goal.

"There is no way I should be man of the match from this game," said the modest 35-year-old.

"Adam Barrett and Andy Edwards did some terrific blocks and the boys at the back were all brilliant. It was them who won the game for us, not me."

But Goater received the plaudits for claiming the points for Blues as he bagged a brace to take his season's tally to five.

* Southend will travel to Rushden & Diamonds in the first round of the LDV Trophy.