Southend United's Freddy Eastwood wants action replay (From Echo)

Southend United's Freddy Eastwood wants action replay

9:30am Tuesday 19th February 2013 in Sport By Chris Phillips

FREDDY Eastwood wants to fire Southend United to another major final when they take on Leyton Orient at Roots Hall tomorrow night.

Eastwood bagged decisive goals to send Blues to both the final of the LDV Vans Trophy and the League Two play-offs back in 2005.

And, after looking lively when coming off the bench against Northampton Town on Saturday, Eastwood now has his sights set on scoring another all-important goal in the second leg of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy southern section final.

“I felt fit and sharp when I came on at the weekend and I want to be involved tomorrow night,” said Eastwood, 29. “I don’t remember too much about the goals I got before because that was an awful long time ago now.

“But I’d like to get back on the scoresheet tomorrow because it’s a massive game, and getting to Wembley with Southend would just be amazing.”

A goalscoring contribution against the O’s would also improve what has so far been a disappointing season for Eastwood.

The striker has made just four starts during the current campaign and has been frustrated by his lack of opportunities.

“I came here to play, not sit around, and it’s been hard to deal with really,” said Eastwood.

“I think I’ve had one league start at home all season, but you just have to learn to cope with it and hope you get an opportunity, so that’s why I was pleased to come on at the weekend.”

Eastwood entered the action as a 33rd-minute substitute against Northampton after the returning Bilel Mohsni received a red card.

And the striker, who enjoyed a hugely successful first spell with Blues, was surprised to get the nod against the Cobblers.

“I wasn’t expecting to come on. But I was pleased with how it went, even though it was disappointing to lose,” said Eastwood. “I went close to scoring a couple of times, but hopefully I’ll get on the pitch tomorrow and put one away.

“I’ve never been to Wembley in my life, but to go there and play is something I definitely want to do before I retire."