Southend United manager Steve Tilson today praised Shrimpers striker Lawrie Dudfield for his patience in waiting for a first team chance.

The former Leicester City forward - who has been a regular on the Blues bench in recent weeks - netted a dramatic late winner against Chester City on Friday night.

And Tilson admitted he was delighted to see Dudfield work his way onto the scoresheet.

"Lawrie has done excellently for us this season and it has been hard leaving him out of the team," said the Blues boss.