Southend United goalscorer Mark Rawle dedicated Saturday's 1-0 Third Division win at Oxford to his Shrimpers team-mates.

The 23-year-old front-runner's first-half header earned Blues their first League win of the season at the fourth attempt at the Kassam Stadium.

And former Boston United hitman Rawle said he was pleased that the Seasiders were finally off the mark.

It's there - Mark Rawle (on ground) watches his effort beat Oxford keeper Andy Woodman

"This was my first goal of the season so I am pleased for myself, but more than anything I'm really happy for the team," he said.

"We've not had the best of starts to the season and it was important to get a win against Oxford. Hopefully, we've turned the corner now and can go on to better things."

And Rawle, who cracked a reserve team hat-trick last week, also thanked recalled full-back Mark Beard for his part in the victory.

"My goal was a carbon copy of the first one I got in the reserves against Northampton Town at Roots Hall last week," he said.

"Mark picked me out with a similar cross in the reserves, so as soon as he got the ball on the wing I made my run into the Oxford box.

"I knew where Mark would put the ball and I just had to get there and meet it with my head. It was great to see it go in."

Blues boss Rob Newman said: "I thought all of the lads were first class against Oxford and dug in hard to get us the win we needed," he said. "There was pressure on all of us to get a result and the players performed admirably."

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Published Monday August 26, 2002

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