SOUTHEND United striker Shaq Coulthirst did not realise the significance of his match-winning penalty against York City until after he had scored.

The on loan Tottenham Hotspur youngster came off the bench to secure the Shrimpers a 1-0 win at Roots Hall with an 88th minute spot-kick on Saturday.

But Coulthirst insisted he did not feel under pressure taking the last gasp penalty.

“It was strange because I didn’t think about it and I didn’t feel under any pressure when I was taking it either,” said the 21-year-old.

“I just saw it as another chance to score a goal and it was only after I scored that I realised it was a big goal.

“This is a massive win for us because we want automatic promotion and we also needed to follow up the good wins we had on the road to show what we’re all about.”

Coulthirst’s effort, which was his fourth of the season, made it three wins in a row for Blues who remain fifth in the League Two table.

His penalty was also Southend’s first goal at home since November and prevented a fourth successive goalless draw at home.

But Coulthirst admitted he may not have got to take the penalty had he not reacted quickly after referee Darren Sheldrake pointed to the spot following a foul on Joe Pigott by York defender Brad Halliday.

“I think Joe would probably have wanted to take it but I made sure I grabbed the ball before he got up,” smiled Coulthirst .

“It was great to see it go in but I was I just doing my job.”

And Coulthirst, who had been an unused substitute in Blues’ last two games, now hopes to figure on a more consistent basis.

“Any player is frustrated to be on the bench and I’m no different,” said Coulthirst.

“I had no complaints about the other strikers starting but the manager gave me a chance and I would like to think I hopefully showed what I can do.

“Now I want to keep on doing the same and help us pick up more good results to get up in to the top three.”