RYAN Leonard successfully came through the most nerve-wracking moment of his life to help secure promotion for Southend United at Wembley on Saturday.

Leonard slammed his spot-kick into the roof of the net during Blues’ triumphant penalty shoot-out against Wycombe Wanderers.

But the midfielder initially feared his effort was flying over the crossbar.

“It’s the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever done, it was so scary and I thought I had missed it as well,” said Leonard.

“I decided to go for power but it went quite high and for a horrible split-second I thought it was going over.

“Thankfully it went in but it was very nervy and the last time I’ve felt anything quite like that was when I had to sing in front of all the lads when I first signed!

“But to win like we did was incredible and showed we always seem to have to do it the hard way!”

Blues had seemed set for more disappointment until Joe Pigott fired home a stoppage time equaliser to take the tie to penalties.

And Leonard admitted he had never been more relieved to see the ball hit the back of the net.

“You do start to doubt whether it’s going to happen, especially after how lucky their goal was so for us to get the goal when we did was huge,” said the midfielder.

“Thankfully Pigs was able to come off his dad’s yacht for the game and got the equaliser with a great finish.

“To then go on and win the shoot-out was just incredible, especially after the devastation we’ve had in the past couple of seasons.”

But this time there were cheers not tears and it made for a memorable birthday weekend for Leonard.

“It’s the best birthday I think I’ve ever had,” said the former Plymouth Argyle trainee, who turned 23 on Sunday. “I’m certainly going to find it hard to match this one again!”