SOUTHEND United’s Anthony Straker wants to mark the most memorable week of his life with victory at York City tomorrow.

Straker became a father for the first time last weekend as his partner gave birth to a boy named Tate.

And, having now also worked his way back in to the Shrimpers starting line-up, the winger is keen to increase his joy by helping Phil Brown’s side get back to winning ways against the Minstermen.

“It’s been an amazing few days for me and obviously victory tomorrow at York would make it even better,” said Straker, 25.

“We all like having things to do away from football and coming home from training to be with my family is a fantastic thing for me to have now.

“Thankfully we already seem to have got in to a routine and at the moment I’m still getting the amount of sleep I need so hopefully that can continue.”

Straker will now be hoping to make that rest count when seventh placed Southend bid to end a run of six games without a win.

And Straker is adamant the Shrimpers are still confident of staying up towards the top of the League Two table.

“The game on Tuesday against Hartlepool showed we’re moving in the right direction again and that we’re still capable of achieving what we want to do,” said the former Aldershot Town man.

“York are a good team and they showed that at our place earlier on in the season.

“But if we play like we did on Tuesday then we can certainly get back to winning ways and get ourselves going again.”

Straker will also be aiming to help make that happen.

The winger was recalled for the 1-1 draw with Hartlepool after three games on the bench and hopes to have done enough to stay in the side.

“I was quite pleased with how it went for me on Tuesday and hopefully I’ll get another chance at York now,” said Straker.

“It’s not nice being left out but sometimes it can do you good as it freshens you up and makes you look at what you can do better.

“I’d like to think I’ve done that but we’re very much a squad of players who are all in this together and we want the three points tomorrow.”

York head in to the game in 11th place and have won two of their last three games.