SEAN Clohessy was quick to admit the goal which broke his Blues duck was a complete fluke at Oxford United yesterday.

The Southend United defender deceived U's goalkeeper Ryan Clarke with a long range effort from wide out on the right touch-line.

But the 24-year confessed he had actually been trying to cross the ball.

“I hadn't got enough on my first couple of crosses so I decided that I was going to get my power in to my next one and it ended up going in,” said Clohessy, who had not netted in his first 24 games for Southend after signing in the summer from Salisbury City.

“When I looked up and saw the keeper back-pedalling I thought it might have a chance of going in and it was great to see it did because it gave us a two goal cushion just before half-time which was important.”

The goal also helped secure a second successive win for Southend.

And Clohessy is keen to maintain the run of improved results.

“We've won two in a row now and we're looking to get even closer to the play-offs,” said the defender.

“Cheltenham will be another hard game tomorrow, especially as we have a few ill and injured players but we're feeling confident about our chances now.”

FULL STORY IN MONDAY'S ECHO