SOUTHEND United wing-er Mark Gower labelled his match-winning strike at the Memorial Stadium last night as one of the best of his career.

The skilful midfielder thundered home a speculative 25-yard strike to secure Steve Tilson's side a 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers in the first leg of the LDV Vans Trophy southern area final.

And Gower, who was joined on the score-sheet by Lawrie Dudfield, admitted he was delighted with the excellent effort.

"It was very nice to see it fly into the net," said the 26-year-old.

"The corners from the right hand side kept on coming to me and I think that's what happened for the goal as well.

"I managed to get some swerve on my shot and I was delighted it went in - it's certainly up there with the best I've ever scored."

Gower returned to the starting line-up in place of Nicky Nicolau and added he was pleased to be back after enduring a frustrating and lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"It obviously hasn't been nice not playing but I've been ill and injured and Nicky has done a really good job in my place," he said.

"It was good to be in the team again though and this is a great result for us. It's only the second time Bristol Rovers have lost at home this season and it gives us something to build on for the second leg at Roots Hall."

Lawrie Dudfield opened the scoring for Blues after eight minutes but Steve Elliott levelled for Rovers early in the second half before Gower's wonder strike.

Full match coverage in Wednesday night's Echo.