RYAN Leonard had plenty to celebrate following his ‘ugliest ever win’ for Southend United on Saturday.

The midfielder bagged a brilliant late goal to secure the Shrimpers a 1-0 win against Bury at Roots Hall.

And his impressive effort - which ended Blues’ three match winless streak - came with Leonard’s sister Megan watching in the stands on her 21st birthday.

“My sister was in the crowd and it was her birthday as well so it was even nicer to score and get the win,” said Leonard.

“It’s the first time she’s been in a couple of years so I think she’ll have to come along more often after that.

“Being honest, it was probably the ugliest game I’ve been involved with at Southend but all that matters is getting the result so we’re very pleased.”

Blues seemed to be heading for a frustrating goalless draw against the struggling Shakers before Leonard struck late on.

And the midfielder was thrilled to be able to help the Shrimpers bag all three points in the testing conditions.

“It was a bobbly pitch and the wind was causing havoc too so it was very tough, but there were no excuses because it’s the same for both teams,” said Leonard.

“If you take all that into account I think it’s the biggest three points of the season so far and hopefully it’s a win we’ll be able to build on.”

The victory also pushed Blues back up into 13th in the League One table and came after Leonard impressed at both ends of the pitch. For not only did the midfielder bag the only goal of the game but he also charged back 70 yards in the first half to make a stunning last ditch challenge on Bury’s Harry Bunn when he seemed set to score.

“I couldn’t breathe for about 10 minutes after that,” laughed Leonard.

“He had a few extra touches and every time he had another one I was able to get closer and it got us out of jail a little bit. “As for the goal, I played a one two off the defender and my first shot was going towards the corner flag. But it sat up nicely and it was probably on a divot knowing our pitch!”