FREDDY Eastwood bagged his first goal since October to fire Southend United back in to the League Two play off positions with a 1-0 win against struggling Torquay at Roots Hall on Saturday.

The striker came off the bench to fire home the only goal of the game as Phil Brown’s side moved back up to sixth in the standings.

And Eastwood insisted his winning goal would do wonders for his confidence during the remainder of the season.

“The goal was massive for me and the team as well really because it’s important we start to get some momentum at this stage of the season,” said the striker, whose previous effort came away at Burton Albion.

“My confidence had been a bit low so this will do me good and it’s important for the team as well.

“That’s two wins in a row now and we need to keep it going if we are to not only make the play-offs but win them as well.”

Eastwood will now aim to build on his match-winning role against the Gulls.

And he is determined to play more of a part in the remaining six games.

“I don’t want to seen as a substitute and would love to start more games again,” said the 30-year-old.

“But it’s up to the manager at the end of the day and as long as I’m playing some part in the matches and can help the team pick up more good results then I’ll be happy.”

Eastwood’s effort made it two wins in a row for the Shrimpers who had previously gone 13 games without a victory.

The popular forward fired home a left wing cross from fellow substitute Jacob Murphy.

But he actually remembered very little about the goal.

“I’m not really too sure what happened or how the ball actually got to me if I’m honest,” said Eastwood.

“It just suddenly came to me in front of goal and it was a great feeling to see it go in because it’s been a frustrating time for me lately.”