KEVAN Hurst bagged his first goal of the season in Southend United's 3-2 win at York City and then thanked the club's fans and manager for sticking by him during a dip in form.

Hurst had not been at his best during the opening few weeks of the season.

But the winger worked his way back on to the score-sheet at Bootham Crescent.

And he is now hoping to shine for the Shrimpers on a more consistent basis.

“Sometimes in football it doesn't always go your way and I found that myself to start off with this season,” said Hurst.

“You have to keep working hard and keep believing because eventually it will pay off.

“I've maybe have not been up to par so far and I need to say thanks to the gaffer for sticking by me and the fans too.

“I feel like I'm getting there now though, I feel fitter and stronger and can hopefully build on this.”

Hurst was joined on the score-sheet by Myles Weston – who bagged an early penalty and Jack Payne as Blues bagged a third successive win.

Hurst's goal came at the start of the second half to put the Shrimpers 2-1 in front.

And the 29-year-old was thrilled to see his close range shot hit the back of the net.

“It's been tough for me and I think you could see what scoring the goal meant,” said Hurst.

“You have to dig in and get through it when you're in a rut but this win and performance will give everyone confidence to kick on, not just me.”

The triumph, which was Blues' first away at York since 1987, also pushed them up to fourth in the League Two standings.

The win followed victories against both Portsmouth and Cheltenham Town and left Hurst delighted with his team-mates.

“It's been a massive week for us and it's been a successful one too,” said Hurst.

“You can't praise the boys enough for getting nine points out of nine.

“It's a great feat for us and we want to try and keep it going now.”

However, Hurst also wants Blues to learn from the mistakes made against the Minstermen if they are to sustain a push for promotion.

“We need to cut out the goals we're giving away from second balls and set pieces,” said the winger.

“The gaffer mentions them all the time because it will hurt us soon if it carries on.”