DAVID Martin was as surprised as anyone to score with his head during Southend United's 3-0 win at Rotherham on Saturday.

The winger nodded in Blues' third goal after Britt Assombalonga's initial effort had bounced back off the crossbar.

And it was the 27-year-old's first aerial effort of his professional career.

“It was great to get my first goal of the season but I certainly wasn't expecting it to be a header when it finally arrived,” said Martin.

“I haven't scored a header before since becoming a professional and the last time I did I was probably about eight.

“But it was nice to get one on Saturday and I was really pleased with how things went for me.”

Martin also created Assombalonga's first goal with an excellent left wing cross and he now feels like he is starting to rediscover his best form after a frustrating start to the season.

“I spoke to the manager and said I would take my chance this year and I think I'm doing that now,” said Martin.

“I thought I played well against Dagenham in the JPT during the week and I thought I did here against Rotherham too so I'm really pleased and can hopefully keep it going.”

Martin's goal, which was his first since scoring at Burton Albion last March, also sealed an impressive victory for Blues against a hotly tipped Rotherham team.

And the winger felt it was a huge result for Paul Sturrock's side.

“This was a massive game for us and we felt like we couldn't really afford to lose so we're delighted to have got all three points,” said Martin.

“Rotherham didn't really cause us much concern and it would be great if we could go and do the same against Morecambe in our next match now.”