Southend United striker Barrington Belgrave admitted his injury-time winner during Saturday's 1-0 Roots Hall triumph over York City had relieved weeks of frustration.
The 22-year-old climbed off the substitutes' bench to fire his first goal of the season and cement three successive League wins for Blues.
And the three points pushed Southend into sixth spot and a Third Division play-off place for the first time this term.
On the run - Barrington Belgrave battles for possession with York's Gary Hobson
"I've not had too many chances so it was great to get on and score such an important goal," said Belgrave, who has yet to make a first-team start this season.
"It has been frustrating sitting on the sidelines because when you play professional football you want to be in the first team week in, week out.
"I've had to accept there is a lot of competition for places at Roots Hall, but when your chance comes along you have to seize it. And hopefully I have done that against York by netting the winner."
Blues boss Rob Newman was all smiles after the game, but had some sympathy for the stunned Minstermen.
"I'm delighted to get another three points and you couldn't ask for a better time to score the winner," he said.
"But York must feel aggrieved at making the long journey home empty handed. They had obviously done their homework on us and played very well."
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Published Monday October 14, 2002
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