SOUTHEND United midfielder Anthony Wordsworth admitted to being shocked by his match-winning role in Saturday's Essex derby success against Colchester.

Wordsworth bagged the first of the Shrimpers' three goals in the final eight minutes to secure a 3-0 victory in front of more than 10,000 fans at Roots Hall.

But the midfielder was surprised to even be on the pitch against his former side having trained just once after three months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

"It was my first game in three months and I had only had one day's training so to even be named on the bench was a surprise for me," said Wordsworth.

"I've been out for a long time and I wasn't expecting it at all but credit to the gaffer and Cocko (Graham Coughlan) for putting me on."

Wordsworth replaced Adam Thompson just past the hour mark when the game was still goalless as Blues looked to break down the 10 man U's following the first half dismissal of Alex Gilbey.

And the 27-year-old was delighted to break the deadlock with an excellent effort from 25 yards before charging the full length of the pitch to celebrate.

"I got a little bit excited when I scored," said Wordsworth.

"But I wasn't running towards the Colchester fans, I was running to that section of the Southend crowd.

"That's where I celebrated last time I scored and I certainly wasn't doing an Adebayor or anything like that.

"It was just a great moment after such a frustrating time."

Wordsworth was followed on to the score-sheet by Adam Barrett and Sam McQueen as Blues secured a third successive victory.

And his well taken goal continued his excellent scoring record in the Essex derby.

"I let the gaffer know in the week that I had scored in four or five Essex derbies," said Wordsworth, who came through Colchester's youth system.

"I gave him a reminder and he must have listened!

"But I'm just happy to be back and that I was able to help the team get another good result.

"Now I'll be looking to push on in training but as long as the team's winning I'll be happy."

Wordsworth's appearance was his first since lining up at Gillingham in late October and boss Phil Brown was delighted by the midfielder's successful return to action.

"I'm so happy for Woody," said Brown.

"He's been a frustrated figure in the treatment room for a couple of months and it's great to have him back.

"I was actually thinking about bringing him on at half-time but I waited until the hour mark and he responded by showing the kind of quality which we signed him for."