Southend United winger Jim Corbett fired a reminder to Blues boss Steve Tilson after cooly converting the decisive penalty at Layer Road last night in the opening round of the LDV Vans Trophy.

The 24-year attacker, who has yet to start a game this season, struck home from 12 yards as the Shrimpers recorded another memorable victory over their fiercest rivals, winning 5-3 on penalties after a hard fought 1-1 draw.

And the win came despite Blues having midfielder Mark Bentley sent off in extra time.

"Hopefully this will let the fans and the manager know that I'm still around waiting for a chance," said former Blackburn Rovers man Corbett.

"It's been frustrating for me lately not getting a game, but I've no complaints as the lads have been playing very well.

"The squad here is extremely strong too so it's going to be hard to get a game. Hopefully my opportunity will come soon though, but it was obviously very nice to score the winning penalty."

But Corbett - a late substitution for tiring team-mate Mark Gower - also revealed his anxiety at shooting from the spot with his very first touch of the game.

"I only came on about five minutes from the end and it was the time I had even touched the ball," he said.

"I was feeling nervous and I didn't want to let any of the lads down who had battled all the way through extra time to take the game to penalties."