SOUTHEND United star David Worrall has dedicated his hugely significant match-winning strike at Bury to his son Noah who tragically died 45 minutes after his premature birth.

Worrall’s superb 25 yard free-kick secured the Shrimpers a vital 1-0 victory on his return to Gigg Lane on Tuesday night as Phil Brown’s side moved level on points on with third placed Wycombe Wanderers with just two games to go.

And Worrall revealed his sixth goal of the season came just hours after he had been to visit his son’s grave.

“I went to my son’s grave on the morning of the match and I told him I was playing back at home,” said the 24-year-old.

“It was very emotional and I felt like crying out there when I scored to be honest.

“But that goal was for him because I know he was looking down on me and it was for my girlfriend as well who has gone through a bad time.”

Worrall came off the bench to fire home the winning goal which enabled Blues to move above Bury and up to fourth in the League Two standings.

And the winger was also keen to thank his team-mates for their support during a difficult period.

“The lads look after you here and it’s good to be around that,” said the Manchester born Worrall.

“You spend that much time with them that they are like family in a way.

“It’s a long way from home from me in Essex but they’ve never left me alone and have always supported me which has been really good.”

Worrall’s team-mates were therefore delighted to see him hit back of the net at Bury.

But the winger himself was not so keen to celebrate having made 178 appearances in two separate spells with the Shakers.

“I was with Bury for four years and left as captain so I didn’t really want to celebrate but I was so happy to see all the Southend fans cheering,” said Worrall.

“Our supporters were great and to have 529 there was amazing but I do think 29 of them were my family because they only live 15 minutes up the road.

“I felt sorry for my nephews because I bet they got mobbed but it was a great moment.”

Worrall’s strike came 16 minutes from the end at Gigg Lane to make sure of a sixth successive win for the Shrimpers.

And the winger also felt it was the best goal of his career, especially as he was under pressure to score.

“Barry Corr wanted to take it and when he said I could take it he told me I better hit the target so he probably would’ve beaten me up if I hadn’t,” laughed Worrall.

“It just seemed as though it was my moment and I struck it well.

“I’ve not taken a free-kick before but it’s the best goal of my career because of how important it was.

“But we have two more massive games coming up now, starting with Luton on Saturday, so we can’t afford to get carried away about anything.”