SOUTHEND United midfielder Ryan Leonard insisted the three points meant more than his wonder goal in Saturday's 3-1 victory at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Leonard fired home an outstanding long range volley just before half-time to help Blues come out on top at Victoria Road.

And it was the victory, which moved the fourth placed Shrimpers to within three points of the automatic promotion places, that most pleased Leonard.

“It's a massive three points for us because Dagenham have been on fire lately and we also needed to make sure we bounced back from the draw with Wycombe,” stressed Leonard.

“We want automatic promotion this season, we're not going for the play-offs so it was important we got the win and getting the three points certainly mattered more than the goal.”

Leonard was joined on the score-sheet by Joe Pigott and Barry Corr as Blues convincingly brushed aside the Daggers.

But Leonard's strike was certainly the most memorable as he fired home from 30 yards.

And the former Plymouth Argyle trainee was delighted to see the strike hit the back of the net.

“I don't seem to score many tap ins but it was certainly up there with the best I've scored,” said Leonard.

“It sat up nicely for me and as soon as I hit it I knew it was in.

“It was very pleasing and it came at an important time of the game as well, just before half-time.”

The effort handed Leonard his fourth goal of the season and will significantly boost his confidence after he had been singled out for a bit of stick from sections of the Shrimpers support.

“It happens in football, fans have their opinions but I'm just happy to be playing and doing my job for the team,” said Leonard.

“The fans were different class on Saturday as well. We had nearly 1,500 at the game and they really drove us on.”