SOUTHEND United’s visit to Bury this weekend will bring back memories of one of the club’s greatest ever triumphs.

For back in May 1991, the Shrimpers triumphed 1-0 at Gigg Lane, thanks to a late, legendary goal from Ian Benjamin, to secure promotion into the second flight of English football for the first time in their 85 year history.

Twenty four years later, the goal is still fondly remembered and often chanted about by the Blues faithful.

And it is a moment Benjamin still vividly remembers too.

“I remember everything about it,” said the former Shrimpers striker.

“David Martin won a header from a goal kick and Andy Ansah put the ball into me. A few minutes before Andy had put a cross in and I had gone into the box because we were down to 10 men after Pat Scully was sent off.

“I immediately regretted not making the run so when Andy next got the ball I went in to the box and got the ball with my back to goal which was one of my strengths.

“What followed after that was just instinct to be honest but to see the shot hit the back of the net was a fantastic feeling.

“I remember seeing the Southend fans going wild and I’m still very proud to have been part of that team and what we managed to achieve that day.

“I have to confess that I do still watch it on YouTube quite often too and it’s nice to show a few people as well just to prove I did actually once play football!”

But while Blues will be enjoying their own sense of nostalgia tomorrow, Benjamin enjoyed his last weekend as he returned to Gigg Lane for the first time since netting arguably the most popular goal in Southend’s history.

Benjamin, who netted 38 times in 139 games for the Shrimpers between 1990 and 1992, now often co commentates on Northampton Town’s matches for BBC Radio.

And it was in that role he headed back to the Shakers.

“It certainly brought back a lot of good memories and I even sent a picture of the ground to a Southend fan I’m still in touch with,” said Benjamin, 53.

“It was a fantastic time to be at the club, we were very successful and we were a real team too.

“We used to play on Friday nights and then about 20 of us would all head out together because of how close we were.

“We all worked hard, because if you didn’t then David Webb would literally drag you off and we had some very talented players too.

“It was a successful time and when we went up we were beating teams like Sunderland, Blackburn, Derby and Newcastle.

“But that day at Bury was something very special because it meant an awful lot to so many people and I don’t think anyone who was there will ever forget it.”

Nowadays, Blues find themselves back in the basement division, attempting to mount another push for promotion.

However, after seeing Bury in action last weekend, Benjamin knows only too well the size of the task facing Phil Brown’s side tomorrow.

“Judging by their game against Northampton last weekend Bury are a very physical side and Southend will certainly need to be up for a battle,” said Benjamin.

“Bury certainly put it about, they got a few bookings and a red card too but they can actually play as well.

“I think scoring first could be important for Southend because Bury’s fans were quite quick to get on their side’s back and that’s something they could look to exploit.”

“I certainly wish Southend well though and I hope they can get another memorable win at Gigg Lane.”