SOUTHEND United substitute Freddy Eastwood inspired the Shrimpers to a 2-0 victory over Darlington at Roots Hall on Saturday - and then expressed his shock at being left on the bench.

The highly rated hot shot was omitted from the Seasiders starting line-up for the second successive game.

But, after replacing fellow forward Wayne Gray in the 68th minute, Eastwood cleverly created the game's opening goal for Mark Bentley before brilliantly adding his own name to the scoresheet in stoppage time.

"The manager explained to me before the Swindon game in the week that he wanted to rest me but I was still quite shocked to be sub again against Darlington," said the Basildon-based goal-getter.

"But it all worked out well in the end. We won the game and when I came on I made one and scored one so I'm over the moon."