SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Ted Smith has discovered a taste for winning and is keen to secure another three points at Fleetwood Town this weekend.

The 21-year-old won just two of his first 11 games for the Shrimpers.

But, since returning to the starting line-up in December, Smith has lost just once in five outings.

And the former King John School pupil is desperate to keep the good run going in tomorrow’s key clash at Fleetwood.

“It’s nice to be playing but it’s even nicer to be winning and hopefully we will again tomorrow because it’s an important game,” said Smith.

“Prior to this little run of games whenever I had stepped in to the team we had been drawing or losing which wasn’t very nice at all.

“But this time we’ve had some good results.

“It was great to beat Rochdale in our last game and now it would be great to get another three points against Fleetwood.”

Blues go into the match sitting seventh in the League One table, seven points behind fourth placed Fleetwood who have also played a game more.

Smith, who came through the Shrimpers’ youth system, is keen to close that gap.

And he will head into the clash with words of wisdom from his former team-mate Daniel Bentley who he formed a close relationship with during their time together at Roots Hall.

“Dan is someone I’ve always looked up to, we still speak a lot and he’s a big help for me,” said Smith.

“He’s doing well with Brentford now which is good but I would like to think I help him too!”

Smith is now eager to follow in Bentley’s foot-steps by making a name for himself between the sticks.

And he believes playing regular first team football is crucial for him to fulfil his potential.

“I’m 21 now and want to be playing first team football,” said the former England youth international.

“I don’t think under 21 games will really do that much for me anymore. I think the more I play the more consistent I’ll get and first team football is the only way for me to get experience.”