CENTRE back Adam Barrett is claiming Southend's opening goal after helping the Shrimpers extend their encouraging start to the season with a 2-1 victory at Swindon Town on Saturday.

The well deserved win at the County Ground saw Steve Tilson's side surge to sixth in the League One table.

But the brilliant Barrett was unsure whether he should have been credited with the Seasiders' opening goal - which was scored after just 66 seconds - to give Steve Tilson's side an early advantage.

"It was a great free kick into the box by Kev Maher and I did make contact with it," confirmed the 25-year-old.

"Then I didn't really see what happened though. A few of the boys have been saying it was an own goal but I was within 10 yards of the ball so that's good enough for me and I'm definitely claiming it."

Blues' lead was later doubled following another Maher set piece as substitute striker Wayne Gray headed home from close range.

And Barrett added his side's performance had warranted a third successive win.

"We played well, especially in the first half when we controlled the game and we should have been 3-0 up at the break," said the former Bristol Rovers captain.